Putin’s India visit Highlights: Russian President's was very positive, says country's DyPM

At the banquet organised in honour of Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Droupadi Murmu says, "Today holds special significance for us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership... The India-Russia partnership is based on a shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual socio-economic and technological progress. The year 2025 has been a highly successful year for our multifaceted relationship... The Joint Statement issued for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit expresses our special relationship and offers a broad roadmap to deepen our bilateral engagement."

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor attended the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Selection of a site for building a second nuclear power plant with Russian reactors in India and cooperation on small modular reactors figured prominently during summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

The two sides discussed cooperation in the civil nuclear energy domain in the context of ramping up generation of clean energy.

"Energy security has been a strong and vital pillar of the India-Russia partnership. Our decades-old cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy has played an important role in advancing our shared clean-energy priorities," Modi said in his media statement. (PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves from the Rashtrapati Bhavan after attending the banquet hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu.

Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, has said that President Vladimir Putin's visit to India has been "was very positive" and noted that Indian companies should find respective business partners in Russia as a means to boost bilateral trade and achieve a balanced trade relationship.

Manturov told ANI that Russia is keen on balanced trade with India.

"The visit was very positive from both sides. We want to have bilateral cooperation with Indian companies to achieve balanced trade. To develop in both India and Russia is also one of the spheres of cooperation. Indian companies should find respective business partners in Russia. Next year in Russia, we are expecting to see Indian companies at exhibitions," he said.

Gifts given by PM Narendra Modi to Russian President Vladimir Putin | 1) Fine Assam Black Tea, grown in the fertile Brahmaputra plains, is prized for its robust malty flavour, bright liquor, and traditional processing using the assamica variety. Recognised with a GI tag in 2007, it represents a rich heritage shaped by land, climate, and craft. Beyond its cultural legacy, it is also valued for potential health benefits, making each cup both comforting and wholesome.

2. Ornate silver tea set. The ornate Murshidabad silver tea set, crafted with intricate engravings, reflects the rich artistry of West Bengal and the deep cultural importance of tea in both India and Russia. In both societies, tea is a symbol of warmth, connection, and shared stories. Gifted with affection, the set celebrates the enduring India–Russia friendship and the timeless ritual of tea.

On Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, Congress leader Salman Khurshid says, "It's a very important visit. We have various relationships with powerful and important countries around the world. We need to strengthen our relationships with all of them. Within that, our relationship with Russia holds its own importance..."

On Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's allegations that LoP is not allowed to meet visiting dignitaries, he says, "I believe this is not in accordance with democratic traditions and the system. Even opposition leaders have not received the respect they deserve..." (ANI)

“The Prime Minister raised the issue of Indian citizens being recruited into the Russian armed forces. Our efforts continue to secure their early release, and I reiterate that our citizens should avoid any offers to join the Russian armed forces,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

On Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale says, "...Discussions have taken place on many topics. Excellent decisions have been made on numerous issues, which will greatly benefit both India and Russia. Efforts are being made to further strengthen the relations between the two countries..."

Sammy Kotwani, President of the Indian Business Alliance says, "People say we are great friends, but I tell we are good brothers. So now, Russia has to play the role of the elder brother, where it's to handhold India and work together. We Indians believe in destiny, astrology, and this partnership is not one plus one equal to two, this partnership is one plus one, which is going to make eleven. They are looking for East and without India, East is not possible. They understand they have a good business but there is a disbalancement and they agree they need to do everything. I think India and Russia need to make ruble-rupee payment more smoother so that things happen faster. They need to come up with much more better routes so the goods are delivered faster and cheaper..."

India and Russia on Friday directed their officials to speed up negotiations for a mutually beneficial agreement on the promotion and protection of investments.

The matter came up for discussion at the summit-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin here. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held an extensive range of talks aimed at strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that the leaders witnessed exchange of several documents.

In a post on X, he said, "PM Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held extensive talks at Hyderabad House today during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Both leaders discussed all aspects of India-Russia relations which are deep-rooted and multifaceted. They reaffirmed mutual commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. The leaders witnessed exchange of several documents, including MoUs on Trade and Commerce, Migration and Mobility, Maritime Cooperation, Health and Food Safety, Fertilizers, Academic Exchanges, Media Cooperation and enhancing People to People ties."

On geopolitical messaging, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "The India-Russia relationship, as I said, is an important relationship, not just bilaterally, but in terms of its regional as well as global significance. It remains important anchor for constructive engagement in a very complex geopolitical environment. This particular visit, as I said, its focus was on economic issues, on further building the industrial partnership, the investment partnership between the two countries. In current times if you look around the globe supply chains are under stress, trade relationships are under stress, investment is becoming more and more unpredictable, and therefore, in this environment for our two countries to focus on these issues that is a message in itself."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said early signing of the preferential trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will reduce barriers to facilitate the movement of goods, services and capital.

India and the Eurasian Economic Union held the first round of negotiations for the free trade pact last week.

India and the five-nation grouping, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), on August 20, inked the terms of reference for the agreement. (PTI)

Speaking on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, “This is a very important visit by President Putin to India. This is probably his 10th visit to the country, and this is the 23rd summit between India and Russia. Considering all this, and looking at the high-level delegation accompanying him, it is a significant occasion. Prime Minister Modi himself went to the airport to receive him, and the two leaders share a very strong relationship.”

Joint Statement following the 23rd India - Russia Annual Summit: PM Modi and Russian President Putin reaffirmed their shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing India’s exports to Russia, strengthening industrial cooperation, forging new technological and investment partnerships, especially in advanced high-technology areas and finding new avenues and forms of cooperation.

"Russia and India have agreed to continue jointly developing systems of bilateral settlements through use of the national currencies in order to ensure the uninterrupted maintenance of bilateral trade."

"Russia and India noted the current and potential cooperation between Indian and Russian companies in fields such as oil and oil products, oil refining and petrochemical technologies, oilfield services and upstream technologies and related infrastructure, LNG and LPG related infrastructure, various existing projects in their countries, underground coal gasification (UCG) technology, nuclear projects, etc. They also noted the importance of expeditious resolution of issues related to investment projects in this area, and agreed to resolve the various concerns being faced by their investors in the energy sector."

On the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "...This visit on the 25th anniversary of the declaration of the strategic partnership is indeed a very special visit. In a very special gesture, President Putin was received on arrival yesterday evening at the airport by the Prime Minister himself. The two leaders then rode together to the Prime Minister's official residence where the Prime Minister hosted President Putin for an informal dinner over which there was a frank and candid exchange of views between the two leaders on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues."

At the India-Russia Business Forum, PM Narendra Modi says, "President Putin and I set a goal of exceeding the $100 billion target for bilateral trade by 2030. But from my conversations with President Putin since yesterday, and the potential we see, I don't think we'll have to wait until 2030. We are moving forward with determination to achieve that goal ahead of schedule, and my confidence is growing. Tariff and non-tariff barriers are being reduced...The speed and scale of change we have achieved in India over the past 11 years is unprecedented. Following the principle of reform, perform, and transform, India is rapidly moving towards becoming the world's third-largest economy. Our resolve is stronger than ever, and we are moving forward with great confidence and at a rapid pace towards our goals. Next-generation reforms in GST and reduction in compliance are steps taken to promote ease of doing business."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that his State visit to India and the agreements signed during bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will further strengthen and deepen the Russia-India strategic partnership, as both sides reviewed their cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors. (ANI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "In diplomacy, both symbolism and substance are important. The symbolism is a very important part of our foreign policy outreach. When the PM goes to the airport, he takes him (Russian President Putin) for a private dinner and gives him the Gita translated into Russian; all these are significant symbolic gestures. They are not a substitute for substance. I have no doubt that it is an important signal of continuity of an important relationship with Russia..."

India and Russia on Friday firmed up a five-year plan to bolster economic and trade partnership in the face of Washington's punitive tariff and sanctions regime even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Vladimir Putin that the war in Ukraine must be brought to an end through dialogue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated India's advocacy for peace on the Ukraine issue and welcomed all efforts being made for peaceful resolution of the matter. He made the remarks during the joint press statement delivered with President Putin.

PM Modi said, "India has advocated for peace on the Ukraine issue from the very beginning. We welcome all efforts being made for a peaceful and lasting resolution of this matter. India has always been ready to contribute its part and will remain so in the future."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "... As state founders of the BRICS, Russia and India have done a lot of things and continue to do more to increase the authority of the organisation. As you know, next year India will assume the BRICS chairmanship. We will provide all necessary assistance to our Indian friends..."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "Last year, our bilateral trade turnover has grown by 12%, setting another record according to different data. This number may look different, but it is generally around 64 billion US dollars. Currently, we are forecasting that the results of this year will remain at the same impressive level. At the same time, as I perceive it, we are up to the task of getting this number to the level of $100 billion... The Prime Minister gave us a whole list of challenges that deserve the most attentive focus of our government. We will do that. The growth of Russian Indian commercial links would be helped by the creation of a free trade zone between Indian and the Eurasian Economic Union. We are already conducting work on the corresponding agreement."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "We are also working on a project to build the largest Indian nuclear plant. Three out of six reactors have already been connected to the energy network...

Russian President Vladimir Putin says, "Our countries are gradually moving towards the use of national currencies for payment settlements. The share is 96 per cent already in commercial payments."

India and Russia are working towards the early conclusion of an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union, said PM Modi, ANI reported.

PM Narendra Modi says, "India and Russia have long been standing shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism. Whether it is the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly attack on the Crocus City Hall, the root of all these incidents is the same. India's unwavering belief is that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity and that global unity against it is our greatest strength. India and Russia have close cooperation in the UN, G20, BRICS, SCO, and other forums. We will continue our dialogue and cooperation in all these forums..."

PM Narendra Modi says, "...Fifteen years ago, in 2010, our partnership was granted the status of a Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. For the past two and a half decades, he (President Putin) has nurtured this relationship with his leadership and vision. His leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India."

PM Narendra Modi says, "...Energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership. Our decades-old cooperation in civil nuclear energy has been crucial in realising our shared clean energy priorities. We will continue this win-win cooperation. Our cooperation in critical minerals is crucial to ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the world. This will provide strong support to our partnership in clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and new-age industries."

"Our deep cooperation in shipbuilding has the potential to strengthen Make in India. This is another excellent example of our win-win cooperation, which will boost jobs, skills, and regional connectivity."

Following the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, PM Modi says, "Over the past 8 decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star..."

PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin witness exchange of agreements between India and Russia

On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit, RJD MP Manoj Jha says, "... Foreign policies are always a matter between two countries, and India–Russia relations run deep, with roots going back through history. In today’s geopolitical scenario, some countries try to dictate terms, but we prioritise our own interests and make autonomous decisions. This will be a significant step forward..."

U.S. company NCH Capital said on Friday that it has no plans to sell a major Russian agricultural producer AgroTerra, which was placed under temporary state management by a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in April 2024.

On December 2, Russia's second-largest bank VTB's CEO Andrei Kostin said that the bank was in talks to buy AgroTerra, one of Russia's top 20 agricultural landholders, Reuters reported.

In televised opening remarks at Hyderabad House, PM Modi said: “Our Summit is moving forward today with several outcomes. Excellency, your visit is very historic. This year marks 25 years to your first visit to India. The foundation for a strategic partnership between our two countries was laid during your first visit. I am delighted that our relationship also marks 25 years.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that India and Russia have relations spanning sectors such as military, space development, and artificial intelligence (AI) among others, and “plan to move forward in all these areas”, Reuters reported today, on 5 December.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on 5 December thanked India for its attention to peace efforts in Ukraine, after PM Modi said the country “always supports peace” and is “on the side of peace”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold summit talks with PM Modi in New Delhi today. The two leaders are scheduled to address the media at 1.50 pm, post the discussion to announce a range of deals.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on 5 December paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He laid a floral wreath at the memorial and also signed the visitor's book.

Congress MP Rajiv Shukla told ANI that the government has neglected traditions by not allotting time for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi.

“It is so strange that the LoP has not been given time to meet President Putin. This has been the norm followed by all Prime Ministers, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee… The Gandhi family was behind the strengthening of relations between India and Russia,” he told the agency.

At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Russian and Indian presidents met with dignitaries from each other's country, before Vladimir Putin departed for Rajghat. He will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the location.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received an official ceremonial welcome, along with a Guard of Honour, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today, from PM Modi and President Murmu.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called Russian President Vladimir Putin's official state visit to India “hugely significant” and a crucial relationship.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal told ANI on 5 December that Russia and India are natural friends. “All of us know the relation that India and Russia share. The warmth of that relation was seen yesterday when PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Putin were seen together. It clearly shows that in the time to come, not just the trade relations between India and Russia will strengthen, but the cultural and civilisational ties will also go to the next level,” he stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 December, welcomed President Droupadi Murmu to the Rashtrapati Bhawan forecourt ahead of the ceremonial welcome for Russian President Vladimir Putin today.

• According to an AP report, bilateral trade between India and Russia by March-end (previous fiscal), stood at $68.7 billion. The aim is to boost this to $100 billion by 2030.
• It added that trade is heavily skewed in favor of Russia with deep deficits for India, which it is looking to bridge by pushing exports.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India, experts debate the potential implications for an India-US trade deal. The Russian President has stated that the India-Russia relationship is centered on safeguarding their mutual interests without harming others.