Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, on a two-day visit to India, on Saturday reaffirmed their deep-rooted strategic partnership by announcing major steps to boost bilateral trade and enhance cooperation across sectors. The two leaders also made it clear that India-Russia crude oil trade will continue despite pressure from the United States.
The annual leaders’ summit, which drew international attention as Putin’s first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict four years ago, concluded with both sides setting an ambitious target of USD 100 billion bilateral trade by 2030, up from the current figure of USD 68 billion.
Putin declared that Russia is ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of fuel to India. Responding to questions on oil imports, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that decisions of Indian companies are shaped by market conditions and that cooperation with Russia in the energy sector would continue. His remarks suggested that New Delhi will not succumb to US pressure, even as India faces high tariffs from Washington over continued oil purchases from Moscow.
Both leaders announced expansion of cooperation beyond traditional defence and energy ties to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical education, fertilisers, tourism and labour mobility. Prime Minister Modi assured visiting Russian industry representatives that India would create a “Russia-ready workforce” trained in the Russian language to meet future industrial requirements. He described India-Russia friendship as one that stands firm like the pole star.
Modi also reiterated India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing that New Delhi supports any genuine effort aimed at securing lasting peace. A day before the summit, India had backed a US-led peace plan seeking a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war.
The leaders discussed cooperation in Arctic navigation, progress in civilian nuclear energy projects and the movement toward use of national currencies in bilateral trade. Connectivity improvements through the International North-South Transport Corridor via Iran and the Chennai–Vladivostok maritime route also featured prominently in the talks.
Earlier in the day, President Putin was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, laid a wreath at Rajghat and participated in a business interaction with PM Modi.
President Droupadi Murmu later hosted a state banquet in honour of the Russian leader.