Russia, India strengthen strategic partnership with 70-point joint statement

The discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lasted for over two hours. Putin noted that both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting.

In the released joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to global peace and stability.

Putin and Modi positively assessed relations spanning politics, strategy, military security, trade, investment, energy, science, peaceful nuclear energy, space, culture, and education.

The statement issued following the talks in New Delhi emphasized that these relations yield mutual benefits and extend to humanitarian cooperation.

Comprehensive document organized under 11 headings

The 70-point document, prepared specifically for Putin’s visit to India, is structured under 11 main headings. These sections include trade and economy, energy partnership, transport and logistics connections, and cooperation in the Russian Far East and the Arctic region.

The document also covers peaceful atomic energy and space, military-technical cooperation, science and technology, culture and tourism, cooperation within the UN and multilateral platforms, counter-terrorism, and regional and international issues.

Emphasis on global stability and a multipolar world

In the joint statement, Putin and Modi stated that Russia and India, as leading powers, will continue to contribute to global peace and stability not only in a polycentric Asia but also in a multipolar world.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the robustness of the Russian-Indian strategic partnership and the alignment of their foreign policy priorities.

Trade in national currencies is expanding

The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding bilateral trade and specifically increasing Indian exports. Decisions were made to strengthen industrial cooperation and develop payment systems using national currencies.

Regarding logistics, emphasis was placed on strengthening connectivity, including the North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route.

Nuclear power plant and space projects continue

The expansion of nuclear energy cooperation was included as a distinct item in the document.

The importance of joint efforts in peaceful atomic energy and related high technologies was highlighted, particularly regarding the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant project.

In the space sector, it was noted that contacts between the Russian space agency Roscosmos and the Indian Space Research Organisation would continue.

Visa regime is being eased

Cultural interaction and humanitarian exchange were defined as crucial elements of the partnership.

The statement noted, “The parties highly appreciated the steady increase in tourist flows between Russia and India and welcomed the implementation of electronic visas by both countries. It was agreed that work would continue toward further simplifying the visa regime.”

Russia and India also reiterated their determination to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism, extremism, organized crime, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

The next summit will be held in Russia

At the conclusion of the statement, Putin thanked Modi and his delegation for the hospitality extended in New Delhi. The Russian leader invited the Indian Prime Minister to Russia to attend the 24th Russia-India Annual Summit, scheduled for next year.

The Russian President’s state visit to India concludes today. Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4, marking his first visit since 2021, four years ago. Putin is also expected to attend the plenary session of the Russian-Indian Business Forum today.