New Delhi – India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Pishri, detailed the outcomes of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi, where both governments expanded their long-running diplomatic and economic partnership during the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit held on 5 December 2025.
Putin travelled with senior ministers and a large business delegation as the two nations marked 25 years since signing their strategic partnership in 2000. The pact was upgraded to a special and privileged strategic partnership in 2010, forming the basis of their cooperation across defence, trade, energy and science.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Putin on arrival before hosting him for an informal dinner at his residence. Formal talks followed at Hyderabad House after a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Putin’s visit to Rajghat.
The summit focused heavily on boosting trade, expanding industrial ties and opening new investment channels. At the India–Russia Trade Forum at Bharat Mandapam, business leaders outlined sector-specific developments in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, marine products and textiles. Modi and Putin jointly encouraged business communities to strengthen commercial engagement as part of the drive to raise bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars by 2030.
A joint statement reaffirmed the long-term partnership and introduced a programme of economic cooperation that will guide both countries until 2030. Multiple agreements were signed across labour mobility, maritime training, health, cultural exchanges, media partnerships and business collaboration.
Pishri said labour mobility had become a central feature of this year’s summit, with India and Russia signing new agreements on temporary labour activity and cooperation against irregular migration. Russia has expressed interest in recruiting Indian workers in IT, engineering and construction as demand grows in its industries. Both sides also revisited negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, a process India hopes will help address its longstanding trade imbalance.
Connectivity projects received renewed attention, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, the eastern maritime corridor and the Chennai–Vladivostok route. Officials regard these transport links as critical to improving the flow of goods between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Defence cooperation remained intact, with Russia reiterating support for India’s manufacturing ambitions through technology transfers and joint production. Modi also welcomed Russia’s decision to support the establishment of new Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
Global issues were also discussed, including the conflict in Ukraine and developments in other regions. Putin briefed Modi on Russia’s discussions with the United States, while India renewed its call for a diplomatic resolution and urged its citizens to avoid joining foreign forces. The government confirmed that efforts continue to secure the release of Indians recruited into the Russian army.
Indian reporters raised questions about payment systems, the rupee-ruble mechanism, energy supplies, nuclear cooperation, visa reciprocity and the status of Indians affected by the Ukraine conflict. Pishri said India’s energy approach is shaped by the need for affordable and reliable supplies, with Indian firms making decisions independently based on commercial viability.
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