New Delhi, India – A packed agenda of agreements was confirmed in New Delhi during the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both governments signed a long list of accords aimed at tightening cooperation across labour, migration, health, trade, transport, science, culture and media.
Officials noted that the two sides finalised an agreement allowing citizens of either country to undertake temporary labour activity in the other’s territory. A second agreement committed both governments to jointly combat irregular migration. Health ministries from India and Russia concluded a cooperation deal in healthcare, medical education and scientific research, while their food safety authorities signed a separate agreement to strengthen collaboration on consumer protection and public health standards.
Maritime cooperation featured prominently. India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Russia’s Ministry of Transport signed a memorandum to train specialists for vessels operating in polar waters. Another memorandum was adopted between the same Indian ministry and Russia’s Maritime Board to deepen collaboration in port and shipping operations.
In the industrial sector, Russian fertiliser giant UralChem entered into a memorandum with three major Indian partners, namely Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited, National Fertilizers Limited and Indian Potash Limited. Customs authorities from both nations endorsed a protocol to exchange pre arrival information relating to goods and vehicles transported between the two countries, which is expected to streamline border and inspection processes.
Postal services strengthened their cooperation through a bilateral agreement between India’s Department of Posts and Russian Post. Academic institutions also expanded partnerships through an MoU between the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology in Pune and Tomsk State University, and another involving the University of Mumbai, Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Management Company of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
Indian public broadcaster Prasar Bharati recorded multiple broadcasting collaborations. These include agreements with Gazprom Media, National Media Group, Big Asia Media Group and TV Novosti. A separate memorandum was also signed between TV BRICS and Prasar Bharati to broaden media cooperation.
Russian officials made several announcements during the state visit. Moscow confirmed support for a programme setting out strategic areas of India Russia economic cooperation until 2030. The Russian side also resolved to join the International Big Cat Alliance. Cultural exchange was strengthened through an agreement enabling the exhibition India. Fabric of Time to be organised jointly by the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy in New Delhi and the Tsaritsyno State Historical, Architectural, Art and Landscape Museum Reserve in Moscow.
India introduced new travel measures for Russian nationals, granting a 30 day e tourist visa on a free basis and approving a gratis group tourist visa scheme as part of reciprocal arrangements.
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