Russian President Vladimir Putin’s high-profile visit to India on Friday has delivered a sweeping reset of bilateral economic ambitions, with both nations unveiling a Vision 2030 roadmap aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, critical minerals, energy, defence, shipping and high-technology sectors.
The visit also saw the announcement of a free 30-day e-tourist visa for Russian travellers, new MoUs across key sectors, and a renewed political message on peace in Ukraine.
At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi, Putin said bilateral trade had “set a new record”, growing 12 percent last year, and was expected to remain at the “same impressive level” this year. Russia has rapidly emerged as one of India’s top crude oil suppliers, driving a structural shift in trade flows.
Modi and Putin jointly launched the India–Russia Vision 2030 document — a long-term plan to accelerate economic engagement. Both sides also affirmed their commitment to finalising a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a move expected to ease market access and lower tariff barriers for Indian exporters.
Energy security featured prominently in the talks. Putin said Moscow is looking at a “better partnership” with India in this sector, which currently spans discounted crude supplies, nuclear energy cooperation and joint exploration projects.
Modi highlighted a strategic shift toward critical minerals, calling cooperation in this area “crucial for secure and diversified global supply chains”. India has been seeking secure access to lithium, cobalt and rare earths — areas where Russia holds significant reserves.
A major announcement came in the maritime sector, with an MoU signed on port and shipping cooperation. Modi noted that collaboration in shipbuilding will “create jobs” and strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing under the Make in India framework.
Putin praised India’s advances in technology and said the partnership was expanding into new domains, including aviation, space exploration and artificial intelligence. The comments align with broader efforts to diversify the relationship beyond traditional defence cooperation.
In a significant move to boost tourism, Modi announced a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens. The announcement follows strong cultural exchanges, including Russia hosting sacred relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia this October.
Modi reiterated India’s long-standing call for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, saying, “We welcome all efforts being made for a peaceful and lasting resolution.” India has so far balanced strategic ties with Russia while engaging the West diplomatically.
Putin’s India trip, closely watched globally, signals that the India–Russia relationship remains resilient even as Moscow’s global alignments shift amid Western sanctions. For India, the visit reinforces its pursuit of multi-alignment — a strategy focused on diversifying partnerships without compromising autonomy.
The slate of agreements — spanning science, food safety, medical education, shipbuilding, ports and energy — signals a shift toward a broader, more modern partnership.
With Vision 2030 providing a firm economic framework, and trade momentum expected to hold strong, the visit marks one of the most consequential India–Russia engagements in recent years.
