By NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the India–Russia partnership has remained a constant “like the pole star” despite eight decades of global turbulence, emphasising that the relationship is built on mutual trust and respect. His remarks came as India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation during Modi’s summit with President Vladimir Putin.
Both nations signed over a dozen agreements and MoUs across areas such as health, migration, maritime cooperation, and economic partnership. A new framework for trade aims to push bilateral commerce to $100 billion by 2030, with President Putin assuring India of uninterrupted supplies of fuel, including oil, gas, and coal. He praised India’s “independent and self-sufficient” foreign policy and reaffirmed Russia’s role as a reliable energy partner.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri said that while defence ties — including Make in India initiatives — were discussed in a general sense, the primary focus of the summit was expanding economic collaboration and ensuring balanced trade by boosting Indian exports to Russia.
Both leaders also reiterated support for concluding a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union at the earliest. Modi highlighted the importance of civil nuclear cooperation, calling energy security a “vital pillar” of the India–Russia relationship.
Putin described the negotiations as “undoubtedly satisfying” and said Russia and India were working closely within BRICS and the SCO to promote a fair, democratic, multipolar world order. He stressed respect for sovereignty, cultural identity, and the principles of the UN Charter.
India announced a 30-day free e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens, while also signing a manpower mobility agreement expected to open new opportunities for both countries. Modi raised the issue of securing the early release of Indian nationals serving in the Russian army.
In their joint statement, India and Russia called for comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council to reflect current global realities. Russia once again expressed firm support for India’s bid for permanent membership.
On global issues, both sides agreed to continue cooperation to keep Afghanistan free from terrorism, urged diplomatic resolution of the Iran nuclear issue, and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
