India (Commonwealth Union)_ Russian President Vladimir Putin began his two-day state visit to India with a grand welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a tri-services Guard of Honour. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him as the national anthems played, setting the tone for a visit that carried diplomatic weight and symbolic warmth. Senior officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, were present as both delegations were introduced.
On arrival in Delhi, PM Modi welcomed the Russian leader with an embrace, reflecting the familiarity the two leaders have built over the years. In a post, Modi described India–Russia ties as “time-tested” and rooted in mutual respect. Their early conversations continued as they traveled together to the Prime Minister’s residence for extended talks. Later, at a joint interaction with the media, Putin thanked India for the generous reception and said his dialogue with Modi had reinforced the strength and direction of the strategic partnership.
Putin pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
Soon after the welcome ceremony, President Putin visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He laid a wreath at the memorial and took a few quiet moments to reflect before signing the visitor’s book. The stop at Rajghat has always been crucial for visiting leaders of state, and Putin’s presence there demonstrated his respect for Gandhi’s worldwide legacy.
Modi-Putin carpooling
From Rajghat, the two leaders continued their engagements in a manner that reflected the ease of their personal rapport. They traveled together to the Prime Minister’s residence in what social media users dubbed a “carpool moment,” reminiscent of their earlier shared ride during the SCO Summit in Tianjin the previous year. The informal gesture added a personal touch to an otherwise protocol-heavy schedule.
Modi gifts copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Putin
At PM Modi’s private dinner, he gifted Putin with a Russian version of the Bhagavad Gita. Modi later posted a photo from the ceremony to highlight how the Gita’s lessons continue to benefit millions throughout the world. The performance showcased India’s soft power and cultural outreach, emphasizing the symbolic value of the bilateral relationship. The translated literature has long been attractive to Russian readers, and Modi’s gift emphasized the two countries’ common intellectual and philosophical interests.
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Modi’s precious gifts to Putin
Beyond the Gita, the Prime Minister gifted Putin a curated selection of Indian specialties that represented the country’s heritage and craftsmanship. These included high-quality Assam black tea, a gorgeous Murshidabad silver tea set, a handcrafted silver horse statue from Maharashtra, and a beautifully inlaid Agra marble chess set. Each piece has cultural value, from the horse’s symbolism to the artisanal tradition of Indian silversmiths to the global popularity of Kashmiri saffron, which was also included in the gift box.
President Murmu welcomes Putin
President Murmu later welcomed Putin to Rashtrapati Bhavan, describing his visit as a significant milestone in India and Russia’s 25-year strategic partnership. She cited the ongoing increase of collaboration in military, nuclear energy, education, space, and trade, as well as historical linkages extending back centuries, such as intellectual contacts between Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy. Both leaders expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to deepen.
State banquet with Indian Thali meals
The ceremonial banquet honoring President Putin featured delicious vegetarian fare that showcased India’s culinary variety. Guests were served a multi-course thali with regional cuisines ranging from light broths and gourmet appetizers to a complete main meal including paneer, lentils, vegetables, pilaf, and a variety of Indian breads. Desserts featured almond halwa and classic kulfi. The lunch was designed to highlight both India’s hospitality and the significance of the event.
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23rd India–Russia Annual Summit
At Hyderabad House, Modi and Putin held wide-ranging discussions as part of the 23rd Annual Summit, reviewing the state of the relationship and setting goals for future engagement. Modi described the partnership as stable and resilient, even through periods of global uncertainty. Both leaders laid out plans to upgrade cooperation in defense manufacturing, trade, energy, logistics, nuclear power, fertilizers, and skilled labor mobility.
A major outcome was the agreement on a new Economic Cooperation Programme stretching to 2030. This framework aims to diversify trade, boost investment, and foster collaborative innovation. Both presidents reiterated their commitment to completing the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible. Energy security was also a significant issue. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to provide petroleum to India without interruption, emphasizing long-term energy security. He also noted continued development at the Kudankulam nuclear project, where new units are being built.
Defence cooperation: The backbone of bilateral ties
Defense is one of the most crucial aspects of India-Russia relations. The discussions included the delivery of the remaining S-400 missile systems, enhancements to the Su-30MKI fleet, prospective military hardware supplies, and future co-production opportunities. Russia also expressed its openness to engage India in talks over next-generation platforms.
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Energy trade
India has become a significant customer of Russian oil, particularly after global markets shifted in 2022. Russian oil has helped to keep Indian gasoline costs stable, while Moscow has benefited from a secure market. Both countries discussed expanding shipping routes, improving port access, and developing new logistics corridors to manage the growing volume of energy trade.
Economic cooperation
Modi announced that both sides aim to raise bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, driven by energy, food processing, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Additionally, negotiations continued on a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union to reduce tariff barriers and streamline business processes.
MoUs signed
Sixteen agreements were exchanged in sectors ranging from defense and trade to healthcare and academic cooperation. These included roadmaps for defense co-production, pharmaceuticals, student exchanges, digital innovation, agriculture, space technologies, and new maritime and logistics partnerships.
Launch of 3 major connectivity corridors
One of the most ambitious outcomes of the visit was the renewed push to accelerate three major trade corridors:
- The International North-South Transport Corridor
- The Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor
- The Northern Sea Route
When fully operational, these networks could significantly cut transit time between Indian and Russian ports. Modi also emphasized shipbuilding cooperation and training Indian seafarers for polar routes.
A new journey of innovation
PM Modi told the India-Russia Business Forum that both countries were entering a new era built on innovation and collaborative growth. He urged Russian enterprises to invest in India and participate in growing industries such as sophisticated manufacturing and green technology.
A five-year roadmap to boost trade
India and Russia finalized a five-year roadmap aimed at strengthening economic resilience amid global uncertainties. The framework focuses on diversifying supply chains, simplifying regulations, and encouraging investments in strategic sectors. Modi also reiterated India’s long-standing stance that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through constructive dialogue.
Free 30-day e-visa facility for Russian tourists
To boost tourism and cultural exchange, India announced a free 30-day e-visa scheme for Russian travelers. Modi noted that individual and group visas would be processed at no cost, with quick turnaround times.
Key takeaways from the Modi–Putin joint statement
The joint statement outlined several priorities:
- Achieving USD 100 billion in trade by 2030
- Strengthening energy cooperation, including nuclear and critical minerals
- Enhancing defence and high-technology collaboration
- Intensifying counter-terrorism cooperation
- Advancing labour mobility, trade corridors, and digital public infrastructure
- Promoting coordination at multilateral forums such as the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO
Modi also reiterated India’s position on the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing the need for peace and diplomacy.
India–Russia trade
Bilateral trade touched USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–2025, driven largely by India’s energy imports. Indian goods, from pharmaceuticals to engineering products, continue to find stable demand in Russia, though India aims to reduce the existing trade imbalance. Past summits have produced significant defense and energy agreements, and the 2024 visit built further on that foundation.
Putin concludes India visit
President Putin departed New Delhi after two days of meetings, ceremonies, and strategic discussions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was present at the airport to bid him farewell. As the visit concluded, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to future cooperation. Putin remarked that the phrase “Go Together, Grow Together” best captured the spirit of India–Russia ties, highlighting a visit that combined symbolism, substance, and strategic clarity. Furthermore, the booming India-Russia ties send a clear message that in today’s world of shaky supply chains, whoever controls the quickest and most secure trade routes will have the upper hand in the future. And India and Russia have sketched out a unique path that is set to control the future.
