Putin In India Update: India-Russia Ties Resilient Amid Complex Geopolitics, Says Joint Statement

Migration and Mobility:

• Mutual agreement on temporary labour activity of citizens.

• Agreement on cooperation in combating irregular migration.

Health and Food safety:

• Agreement in the field of healthcare, medical education and science.

• Agreement between FSSAI and Russia's Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being in food safety.

Maritime Cooperation and Polar waters:

• MoU on training of specialists for ships operating in polar waters.

• MoU between India's Shipping Ministry and Russia's Maritime Board.

Fertilizers:

• MoU between JSC UralChem and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd., National Fertilizers Ltd., and Indian Potash Ltd.

Customs and commerce:

• Protocol between the India's CBIC and Russia's Federal Customs Service for cooperation in exchange of pre-arrival information in respect of goods and vehicles moved between countries.

• Bilateral Agreement between India's Department of Posts and Russian Post.

Announcements:

• Programme for the development of strategic areas of India-Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030.

• Grant of 30 days e-tourist visa on gratis basis to Russian nationals on reciprocal basis.

• Grant of group tourist visa on gratis basis to Russian nationals.

India and Russia have issued the joint statement of the 23rd Annual Summit.  Vladimir Putin thanked Narendra Modi for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation in New Delhi and invited him to visit Russia in 2026 for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.

"The Leaders underlined that India-Russia ties have remained resilient in the backdrop of the prevailing complex, challenging and uncertain geopolitical situation. Both Sides have strived to forge a contemporary, balanced, mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term partnership. Development of India-Russia relations across the entire spectrum is a shared foreign policy priority. The Leaders agreed to make all efforts to unlock the full potential of the strategic partnership," the statement said.

Here's the read link.

"Russia not in India only for energy issues and oil supply contracts. We want to expand ties on all fronts. Russia looking at preferential trade agreement between India at Eurasian Economic Union. Russian cos ready to increase Indian imports manifold," said Putin.

"Tourist visas have also been eased by both sides. Free 30 day e-tourist visa and 30-day group tourist visa to be launched," said PM Modi.

"In pharma, India-Russia can collaborate on joint vaccine development, cancer therapy, API supply chain and radio pharmaceuticals. India and Russia can partner on textile value chain, fertilisers, cement manufacturing, ceramics and electronics. India's tech, healthcare, engineering talent can be trained in soft skills and Russian language to create a Russia-ready workforce," said PM Modi.

PM Modi said he discussed harnessing full potential of logistics, connectivity routes such as INSTC, Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor with President Putin.

"Customs, logistics can be connected through virtual trade corridors. Russia has already approved several new Indian dairy and marine exporters. We are looking at JVs in cold chain logistics, deep sea fishing and fishing harbours with Russia. India can partner with Russia in EV manufacturing, auto parts and shared mobility tech."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Russia may not have to wait till 2030 for bilateral trade to touch $100 billion.

“Simplified, predictable mechanisms are being worked out for bilateral trade, and FTA talks have also begun. I don’t think we’ll have to wait till 2030 for bilateral trade to touch $100 billion, as tariff and non-tariff barriers are being reduced," he said.

• Both sides agreed on an Economic Cooperation Programme extending until 2030.

• Both India and Russia are actively working towards the early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union.

• The two countries are working together on cooperative projects related to urea production.

• India- Russia will move forward with the implementation of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai–Vladivostok Corridors to enhance connectivity.

• Russia will provide training to Indian seafarers for navigation in polar waters.

• India and Russia will pursue strong cooperation in the field of shipbuilding.

• The partnership in civil nuclear energy, a decades-old pillar of cooperation, will continue.

• Russia and India will collaborate on critical minerals to ensure secure and diversified supply chains.

• Russia is ready for uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India.

• We are looking at expanding cooperation in the energy sector.

• India, Russia are gradually moving towards the use of national currencies for bilateral payment settlements.

• We are looking at increasing annual bilateral trade volume to $100 billion.

At a joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "We can also discuss small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants, and non-energy uses of nuclear technology, including in medicine and agriculture. We are working with our Indian partners to build new international transport and logistics routes, including the International North–South Transport Corridor from Russia and Belarus to the Indian Ocean. There are major opportunities for bilateral trade with the expansion of this corridor, including its key link -the Northern Sea Route."

At a joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "We are conducting a flagship project to build India’s largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam. Two of the six reactor units are already connected to the grid, while four more are under construction. Bringing this plant to full capacity will make an impressive contribution to India’s energy needs, providing cheap and clean power for industries and households."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "Our countries are gradually moving towards the use of national currencies for payment settlements. The share is 96% already in commercial payments."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "Last year, our bilateral trade turnover grew by 12%, setting another record according to different data. This number may look different, but it is generally around 64 billion US dollars. Currently, we are forecasting that the results of this year will remain at the same impressive level. At the same time, as I perceive it, we are up to the task of getting this number to the level of $100 billion... The Prime Minister gave us a whole list of challenges that deserve the most attentive focus of our government. We will do that. The growth of Russian Indian commercial links would be helped by the creation of a free trade zone between Indian and the Eurasian Economic Union. We are already conducting work on the corresponding agreement."

Addressing a joint press conference with PM Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "We are also working on a project to build the largest Indian nuclear plant. Three out of six reactors have already been connected to the energy network...

Addressing a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Modi said, "India and Russia have long cooperated shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism.

Whether it is the terror attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly attack on Crocus City Hall, all such acts have the same roots. India believes that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity, and global unity against it is our greatest strength."

PM Narendra Modi says, "...This year in October, millions of devotees received the blessings of Lord Buddha's sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia. I'm pleased that we will soon be launching a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day Group Tourist Visa for Russian citizens..."

At a joint press meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "To further economic cooperation, we have signed a Vision 2030 document. Today, both of us will take part in the India–Russia Business Forum. I am confident this platform will strengthen our business relations and open new avenues for co-production and co-innovation. Both countries are also taking new steps to realise an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union."

PM Narendra Modi says, "...Fifteen years ago, in 2010, our partnership was granted the status of a Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. For the past two and a half decades, he (President Putin) has nurtured this relationship with his leadership and vision. His leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India."

PM Narendra Modi says, "...Energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership. Our decades-old cooperation in civil nuclear energy has been crucial in realising our shared clean energy priorities. We will continue this win-win cooperation. Our cooperation in critical minerals is crucial to ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the world. This will provide strong support to our partnership in clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and new-age industries."

"Our deep cooperation in shipbuilding has the potential to strengthen Make in India. This is another excellent example of our win-win cooperation, which will boost jobs, skills, and regional connectivity."

Russia has been a longstanding and time-tested partner of India. Since the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000, India-Russia ties have evolved significantly, touching political, security, defence, trade and economy, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people cooperation

Bilateral trade has grown rapidly and reached a record $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25, with Indian exports at $4.9 billion and imports from Russia at $63.8 billion.

India and Russia pushed to accelerate progress toward the USD 100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030, including work on the India-EAEU FTA.

We are working on a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin says during talks with PM Narendra Modi.

In his meeting with PM Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "Over the past years, you have done a great deal of work to develop our relationship...We open additional areas for cooperation, including hi-tech aircraft, space exploration and artificial intelligence..."

In his meeting with PM Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "Over the past years, you have done a great deal of work to develop our relationship...We open additional areas for cooperation, including hi-tech aircraft, space exploration and artificial intelligence..."

In his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Narendra Modi says, "Whenever I had an interaction with the world leaders, in detailed discussions, I always said that India is not neutral. India has a side and that side is of peace. We support all efforts for peace and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all efforts for peace."

Putin wrote, "One of the founders of the modern Indian state, the great philosopher and humanist Mahatma Gandhi, made an invaluable contribution to the cause of peace on the entire planet. His ideas of freedom, virtue, and non-violence remain relevant to this day. Mahatma Gandhi, in essence, foresaw the emergence of a new, more just multipolar world order, which is now in the process of taking shape. In his correspondence with Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy, he wrote about the future of the world — free from diktat and hegemony, built on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and cooperation among nations. And it is precisely these principles that today closely bind the values of Russia and India on the international stage."

PM Narendra Modi will host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit.

The following are the Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) scheduled after 12: 30 p.m

• Memorandum of Cooperation between the All-Russian Public Organisation "Delovaya Rossiya," the All-India Association of Industries, and the World Trade Center, Mumbai.

• Memorandum of Understanding between Prasar Bharati and Gazprom-Media Holding.

• Memorandum of Understanding between the NFDC and Gazprom-Media Holding.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shared details on the Ukraine war with India. He said he is working on a peaceful settlement. Putin emphasised that India-Russia ties are based on trust.

PM Modi stated that India is on the side of peace and has called on for global peace.

Putin has expressed willingness to work with India on AI and space.

PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reach the Hyderabad House for their meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signs the visitor’s book at Rajghat after laying a wreath and paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lays wreath and pays respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat during his two-day state visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt ahead of his summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday received Putin at New Delhi's Palam airport with a hug amid a group of artistes performing traditional dances. From the airport, the two leaders travelled to Modi's official residence in his car for a private dinner.

Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves from the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was given a Guard of Honour. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi with the Russian President, before he departed from here.

The advisory also states that no vehicle will be permitted to halt or park on Janpath Road, R A Windsor Place, Firoz Shah Road, R A Mandi House, Sikandra Road and W Point from 11 am to 12.30 pm.

Diversions announced for this period include Janpath-Tolstoy Marg, Tolstoy-“KG Marg, Ranjit Singh Flyover-“Barakhamba Road, Sunheri Masjid Road and R A Rail Bhawan.

The advisory adds that Janpath-“Tolstoy Marg, Tolstoy-“KG Marg, Ranjit Singh Flyover'“Barakhamba Road, Firoz Shah Road, Sikandra Road, W Point, Akbar Road, MLNP and Janpath Road should be avoided, and that commuters may instead use DDU Marg, Asaf Ali Road, Maulana Azad Road, K Kamraj Marg, Raisina Road and Rafi Marg.

President Droupadi Murmu arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan to welcome her Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Preparations are underway for Russian President Vladimir Putin's ceremonial reception and Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Delhi LG VK Saxena, CDS General Anil Chauhan and other dignitaries are present.

Traffic restrictions and diversions are in place in several parts of the national capital, including central Delhi, on Friday in view of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit, the Delhi Police said in an advisory 

According to the advisory, traffic curbs will be in place from 9 am to 12 noon along W Point, A Point, ITO Chowk, BSZ Marg, Delhi Gate, JLN Marg, Rajghat Crossing, Shanti Van Crossing, Hanuman Setu Y Point, Netaji Subhash Marg, Nishad Raj Marg, Saleem Garh Flyover Bypass, the MGM Pragati Maidan Tunnel to Hanuman Setu, Kashmere Gate, Vikas Marg and IP Marg.

Flex boards welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian national flags around Teen Murti Marg President Putin is on a State visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

 The India-Russia collaboration is not directed against any country and it is solely aimed at safeguarding the national interests of the two sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said against the backdrop of Washington's aggressive approach towards New Delhi and Moscow.

In the context of India's energy ties with Russia, Putin said certain "actors" dislike New Delhi's growing role in international markets in view of its close relations with Moscow and these elements are aiming to constrain India's influence for political reasons by imposing "artificial obstacles".

Putin is expected to make diplomatic visits to Rajghat, Bharat Mandapam, Hyderabad House and Rashtrapati Bhavan among other places as part of his engagements in the city.

Traffic police announced on Thursday extensive restrictions and diversions in Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Janpath Road, Pragati Maidan tunnel, ITO Chowk, among others.

Massive traffic restrictions will be in place in parts of the national capital on Friday in view of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit, a Delhi Traffic Police official said.

According to an advisory, traffic curbs will be in place from 9 am to 12 noon along W Point, A Point, ITO Chowk, BSZ Marg, Delhi Gate, JLN Marg, Rajghat Crossing, Shanti Van Crossing, Hanuman Setu Y Point, Netaji Subhash Marg, Nishad Raj Marg, Saleem Garh Flyover By Pass, the MGM Pragati Maidan Tunnel to Hanuman Setu, Kashmere Gate, Vikas Marg and IP Marg.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Vladimir Putin.

"Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world," PM Modi said in a post on X.

Here's Russian President Vladimir Putin's schedule in India on Day 2, in a nutshell.

December 5:

11:00 AM: Ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan

11:30 AM: Homage to Mahatma Gandhi, wreath-laying at Rajghat

11: 50 AM: Meeting with PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House

1:50 PM: Joint press statement along with PM Modi at Hyderabad House

3:40 PM: Business event

7:00 PM: Meeting with President Droupadi Murmu

9:00 PM: Departure