New Delhi – Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit to India concluded with significant agreements spanning trade, energy, and tourism sectors. The Putin India visit marked a crucial milestone in strengthening the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the two nations, with both leaders emphasizing their commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple domains.
Ceremonial Welcome and Diplomatic Protocol
The second day of the Putin India visit began with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Russian leader. Putin was accorded a tri-services guard of honour, reflecting the significance of this state visit. The day concluded with a state banquet hosted by President Murmu in honour of the visiting dignitary, after which Putin departed for Russia on Friday night.
India’s Stance on Ukraine Conflict
Ahead of his bilateral meeting with Putin, Prime Minister Modi clarified India’s position on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Modi emphasized that India is not neutral but stands firmly on the “side of peace.” He reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful solutions to conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. This statement during the Putin India visit underscored India’s balanced approach to international conflicts.
Putin expressed gratitude for India’s attention to peace efforts regarding Ukraine, acknowledging the constructive role India could play in conflict resolution. He highlighted that Russia and India maintain strong relations across multiple sectors, including military cooperation, space development, and artificial intelligence.
The 23rd Russia-India Summit
The Putin India visit featured the 23rd Russia-India Summit, where both leaders engaged in extensive discussions on bilateral and multilateral issues. Modi pushed for ending the Ukraine war through dialogue and diplomacy, while Putin indicated Russia’s willingness to work toward a peaceful solution to the conflict. This summit reinforced the diplomatic framework that has characterized India-Russia relations for decades.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
A major highlight of the Putin India visit was the announcement of an expanded economic cooperation program extending until 2030. Modi declared that India and Russia have agreed to significantly boost bilateral trade, stating, “Taking India-Russia economic partnership to new heights is our common priority.”
Both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the port and shipping sector. The countries also committed to deepening cooperation in building stable and efficient transport corridors, with particular focus on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok (Eastern Maritime) Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route.
Discussions have commenced on a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. Both leaders expressed their ambition to increase annual bilateral trade volume to USD 100 billion, marking a substantial expansion in economic ties during this Putin India visit.
Tourism and Visa Initiatives
In a significant move to boost people-to-people connections, Modi announced during the Putin India visit that India will soon launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa for Russian citizens. Additionally, a 30-day group tourist visa will be introduced, making travel more accessible for Russian tourists and strengthening tourism ties between the nations.
Energy Security and Cooperation
Amid international pressure, Putin made a strong statement on energy cooperation during the Putin India visit. He affirmed that Russia would continue “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India, describing Russia as a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and other energy resources essential for India’s development.
“We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy,” Putin declared at the business forum. This commitment addresses India’s energy security concerns and reinforces the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Enhancement
The joint statement released after the summit outlined plans to expand logistics links and enhance infrastructure capacity. The focus remains on improving connectivity through major transport corridors, which will facilitate smoother trade flows and strengthen economic integration between India and Russia.
Cultural Tribute
During the Putin India visit, the Russian President visited Rajghat, where he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Putin laid a wreath and offered floral tributes at the memorial, signing the visitors’ book—a gesture acknowledging the shared values of peace and non-violence that both nations cherish.
Conclusion
The Putin India visit successfully reinforced the multifaceted partnership between India and Russia. With agreements spanning trade, tourism, energy, and infrastructure, both nations demonstrated their commitment to deepening bilateral ties. The visit concluded with concrete outcomes that will shape Indo-Russian cooperation for years to come, positioning both countries for enhanced strategic and economic collaboration in an evolving global landscape.
