December 8, 2025
Modi said the partnership equips both nations to face global challenges and has endured a decade of geopolitical volatility
India will introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian travellers
Both sides reaffirmed strong counter terrorism cooperation and condemned recent attacks in Pahalgam and at Russia’s Crocus City Hall
Talks focused on accelerating the India–EAEU Free Trade Agreement and strengthening defence collaboration under Make in India
India and Russia exchanged 16 agreements across defence, trade, the economy, healthcare, academia, culture and media during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. Addressing a joint press meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was confident that the India-Russia friendship would provide the strength needed to confront global challenges and that this trust would enrich the future of both nations. He noted that India and Russia had stood together in the fight against terrorism and reiterated India’s consistent view that terrorism is a direct attack on humanity, adding that global unity remains the strongest response.
Modi said both countries were working toward the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. He announced that India would soon launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens. He also said the Russian side had agreed to adopt the Framework Agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance.
Modi noted that Putin’s visit came at a moment when bilateral relations were reaching historic milestones. He said that despite the global turbulence of the past decade, India-Russia ties had remained resilient.
In a joint statement issued after the summit, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation to tackle terrorism, extremism, transnational organised crime, money laundering, terrorist financing and illicit drug trafficking. Both leaders renewed their resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, financing networks and safe havens.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told the media that discussions between Modi and Putin centred on the proposed Free Trade Agreement under negotiation between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. He said both sides agreed to fast-track the talks and set clear timelines for early conclusion.
Misri said India-Russia defence and military technical cooperation remained robust and highlighted Russia’s continued support for India’s Make in India initiative in the defence sector. He noted that Putin provided Modi with an extensive briefing on the Ukraine conflict and that Modi reiterated India’s longstanding position.
Modi and Putin also co-chaired the India-Russia Business Forum. Speaking at the event, Modi said he was confident that India was on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by following a policy centred on reform, performance, and transformation.
Source: NewsOnAir