India and Russia signed sixteen agreements today covering defence, trade, the economy, healthcare, academics, culture, and media. Addressing a joint press briefing with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the long-standing partnership between the two nations will continue to provide strength in addressing global challenges. He reaffirmed that both countries stand united in the fight against terrorism, calling it a direct attack on the values of humanity and stressing the importance of global solidarity in combating it.
Prime Minister Modi noted that both sides are working towards the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. He also announced that India will soon introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian nationals. Additionally, Russia has agreed to adopt the Framework Agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance.
Mr. Modi said President Putin’s visit comes at a time when bilateral relations are reaching significant milestones. He highlighted that despite major global shifts over the past decade, India–Russia ties have consistently remained strong.
In a joint statement issued after the summit, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in tackling global threats such as terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, money laundering, terrorist financing, and drug trafficking. Both leaders condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and at Crocus City Hall in Russia, and called for action against all UN-listed terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS/Daesh.
Briefing the media later, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said discussions between the two leaders placed significant emphasis on the proposed FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union, with both sides agreeing to fast-track negotiations within defined timelines. He also reiterated that defence and military-technical cooperation between India and Russia remains strong, with Russia continuing to support India’s Make in India initiative.
On the Ukraine conflict, President Putin provided Prime Minister Modi with a detailed briefing, and Mr. Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position on the issue.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin also jointly chaired the India–Russia Business Forum, where Mr. Modi expressed confidence that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by continuing its agenda of reform, performance, and transformation. (newsonair.gov.in)
