Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict underscored the growing economic and strategic partnership between the two countries. While traditional defence and security ties remained central, the summit also focused on boosting trade, energy cooperation, and economic collaboration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that “elevating our economic cooperation with Russia to new heights is a shared priority,” signalling India’s strategic autonomy amid US pressure to reduce Russian oil imports. Modi emphasised that India-Russia friendship has remained “steady like a guiding star” over eight decades, built on mutual respect and trust.

President Putin confirmed Russia as a reliable energy supplier, assuring uninterrupted shipments of oil, gas, and coal for India’s growing economy. Both leaders launched an Economic Cooperation Programme targeting bilateral trade to increase from $68 billion to $100 billion by 2030, with Modi expressing confidence in surpassing this goal sooner. Cooperation in civil nuclear energy was also highlighted as a key pillar for advancing clean energy priorities.

The summit addressed global security concerns, including terrorism. Both leaders expressed “zero tolerance” for terror, condemning attacks in India and Russia, and reaffirmed commitment to eliminate UN-listed terror groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda. The discussions also explored safe migration and workforce mobility, with India agreeing to provide 30-day employment-tourist visas to Russian nationals on a reciprocal basis.

Several agreements were concluded to enhance trade, regulatory coordination, and sectoral cooperation in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and marine products, aiming to reduce trade imbalances. Putin also referenced ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, while Modi reaffirmed India’s stance as a proactive contributor to peace.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the visit as a reflection of India’s strategic autonomy, asserting that India-Russia relations have remained among the steadiest big-power partnerships. He noted that India maintains relations with all major powers, including the US, and no country can veto its sovereign decisions.

Overall, the summit was a significant step in “reimagining” the India-Russia relationship, shifting focus toward economic cooperation while reinforcing long-standing defence, energy, and counterterrorism collaboration. The visit demonstrates India’s ability to balance ties with multiple global powers while prioritising national interests.