From defence to nuclear energy, here’s what PM Modi and President Putin said in joint statement

New Delhi: India and Russia on Friday reaffirmed their "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” during the 23rd Annual Summit in New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin adopting a sweeping joint statement titled "India–Russia: A Time-Tested Progressive Partnership, Anchored in Trust & Mutual Respect.”

Putin arrived in India on December 4 for a two-day state visit, marking 25 years since the declaration of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership in 2000. Both leaders said that the relationship has remained resilient despite global geopolitical turbulence, rooted in mutual trust, respect for each other’s core interests and a shared commitment to multipolarity.

A major highlight of the summit was the adoption of Programme 2030, a new roadmap aimed at diversifying and boosting economic cooperation. Both sides also reviewed progress on a proposed Free Trade Agreement between India and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union and pushed for a balanced expansion of bilateral trade, including greater Indian exports. The two countries reiterated their target of achieving USD 100 billion in annual trade by 2030.

India and Russia agreed to deepen financial cooperation through national currencies, interoperability between payment and messaging systems and eventual use of central bank digital currency platforms. The leaders also welcomed agreements on mobility of skilled workers and long-term fertilizer supply arrangements.

Energy remained a central pillar, with discussions covering oil and gas, LNG, petrochemicals, coal gasification and civil nuclear cooperation. Both sides reviewed progress at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and reaffirmed plans to finalise a second nuclear site in India. They also agreed to accelerate joint manufacturing of nuclear equipment and fuel assemblies.

Connectivity initiatives, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, Chennai, Vladivostok maritime route and the Northern Sea Route—featured prominently, alongside expanded cooperation in the Russian Far East and Arctic.

Military and military-technical cooperation continued to be a defining aspect of the partnership, with both sides emphasising joint R&D, co-production and Make-in-India manufacturing of spares for Russian-origin platforms.

The two countries also pledged deeper collaboration in space, critical minerals, digital technologies, education, culture and tourism. Russia reiterated support for India’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council and commended India’s role in amplifying Global South priorities in the G20.

Both sides strongly condemned terrorism, reaffirmed zero tolerance for extremist groups and called for concerted global action. Putin invited PM Modi to Russia in 2026 for the next annual summit.