India, Russia Reaffirm ‘Time-Tested’ Strategic Partnership at 23rd Annual Summit; New Roadmap Adopted to Deepen Trade, Energy, Defence and Tech Cooperation

New Delhi, December 6: India and Russia on Friday reaffirmed their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” adopting a new roadmap for technological, economic and security cooperation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. The visit marks 25 years since the two countries formalised their Strategic Partnership in 2000, underscoring a relationship that leaders described as resilient, trusted and central to global stability.

In a joint statement issued after the talks, both sides highlighted the “mutual trust and strategic convergence” that continue to define the partnership, even as global geopolitical conditions remain turbulent. Modi and Putin assessed progress across political, military, economic, nuclear, space and cultural cooperation, and agreed to “unlock the full potential” of the partnership through an expanded, future-ready agenda.

The leaders welcomed the adoption of the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India–Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030, which will guide collaboration in trade, technology, finance, transportation, energy and industrial partnerships. Discussions also focused on reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening payment mechanisms, improving logistics, and supporting India’s goal of increasing exports to Russia. Both sides reiterated the target of reaching USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

Energy remained a major pillar, with both sides noting ongoing cooperation between companies in oil, gas, petrochemicals, LNG, underground coal gasification and nuclear energy. The two countries agreed to ensure long-term supplies, resolve pending investment concerns and accelerate work on nuclear energy projects, including the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. India reiterated the allotment of a second site for a future Russian-designed nuclear project, while both sides explored greater localisation and joint manufacturing of nuclear components.

Connectivity and transport corridors also featured prominently. The two countries agreed to expand work on the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor and cooperation on the Northern Sea Route. They also committed to strengthening railway collaboration and signed an MoU to train specialists for ships operating in polar waters.

Military and military-technical cooperation continued to hold its position as a core pillar of the partnership. The leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Intergovernmental Commission on Military Cooperation and reaffirmed a shift toward joint research, co-development and joint manufacturing of defence systems in India. Both sides agreed to expand joint exercises, exchanges and partnerships to support India’s self-reliance goals, including production of spare parts and systems for Russian-origin platforms in India for domestic use and export.

In civil nuclear and space cooperation, India and Russia committed to broaden collaboration in fuel cycle technologies, life-cycle support for nuclear reactors and peaceful uses of atomic energy. ISRO and Roscosmos will deepen cooperation on human spaceflight, satellite navigation, rocket engines and planetary exploration.

On science and technology, the two countries agreed to scale research partnerships in critical minerals, rare earths, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and digital systems. Both sides emphasised support for collaboration between startups, universities and private industry, alongside joint innovation programmes under the STI Roadmap.

Cultural exchanges and tourism were identified as key enablers of people-to-people ties. The two sides encouraged expanded cooperation in film production, book fairs, exhibitions and festivals. India welcomed Russia’s decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance, while Moscow reiterated support for India’s permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

Multilateral cooperation remained a major theme, with both countries committing to work closely within the UN, SCO, BRICS and G20. Russia pledged full support for India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026. Both sides emphasised the need for reforms in global governance, including restructuring the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities. They also stressed consensus-based functioning of the G20 and highlighted joint work on climate action under the Paris Agreement.

On counter-terrorism, the leaders strongly condemned recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and Moscow, called for zero tolerance against terrorism in all forms, and urged action against all UN-listed terror groups. They reiterated support for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Regional issues, including Afghanistan and West Asia, were discussed in depth. The two sides reaffirmed the need for humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, condemned terrorism by ISIS/ISKP, and called for restraint and protection of civilians in the Middle East.

Concluding the summit, both leaders welcomed the opening of new Indian consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, and emphasised the need to further strengthen trade, regional cooperation and people-to-people ties. President Putin invited Prime Minister Modi to Russia in 2026 for the next annual summit.

The joint statement described the partnership as resilient and future-focused, built on shared interests and a commitment to global peace in a multipolar world.