Putin and Modi Highlight Independent Foreign Policies, Strengthen India-Russia Strategic Partnership

He said this will help ensure that trade and investment between India and Russia remains diversified, balanced and sustainable. File Photo.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met at the joint press meet in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Putin said it was “entirely natural” for Russia and India to have strong economic ties and affirmed their intent towards expansion of trade.

The main focus was on “independent foreign policies”. Putin said that both nations, through bodies like BRICS and SCO, are working for a “more just and democratic multipolar world order”. He made the point, especially in the context of increasing external pressure on India to reduce oil imports from Russia.

Putin reaffirmed on energy cooperation that Russia is committed towards supplying India with fuel oil, gas and coal. He also highlighted a major joint civil-nuclear project: the construction of the largest nuclear power plant in India at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Out of the six units, two are already connected to the grid, and four more are under construction. Once they are fully commissioned, this plant is expected to significantly contribute to India’s clean and affordable energy needs.

Apart from energy, the two countries focused on economic diversification. Putin noted that Russian enterprises will participate in manufacturing under the Make in India programme. Cultural and educational exchanges were also talked about for expansion. For his part, Modi said the two sides agreed on an economic cooperation programme extending until 2030. He said this will help ensure that trade and investment between India and Russia remains diversified, balanced and sustainable.

The summit and press meet is a reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between India and Russia, with both leaders stressing sovereignty, economic cooperation, energy security and long-term collaboration. Given global tensions and pressure on energy trade, this dialogue signals that India is asserting its agency and charting a foreign-policy path of its own choosing.

Source: Hindustan Times