India-Russia Bilateral Relations 2025

Context

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December 2025 and the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit added a new dimension to the long-standing partnership between the two countries, based on trust, mutual respect, and strategic alignment.

About President Putin's Visit to India

• Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on a two-day state visit on December 4-5, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.
• This was their 23rd Annual Summit.
• During the visit, the two leaders held bilateral talks, signed several agreements, and issued a joint statement.
• The opening of Indian Consulates General in Yekaterinburg and Kazan was also mentioned during the visit, which will enhance inter-regional cooperation.

Key Issues

• Timely achievement of the $100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030
• Strengthening trade and payment systems in national currencies
• Cooperation in energy, nuclear, defense, space, and emerging technologies
• Northern Sea Route, INSTC and connectivity projects such as the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor
• Coordination on terrorism, extremism, and the situation in Afghanistan
• Multilateral cooperation in BRICS, SCO, and G-20

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Adoption of a Programme for Strategic Areas of Economic Cooperation until 2030
• Signing of 15+ Agreements/MoUs on Migration-Mobility, Health, Food Security, Polar Water Training, Fertilizers, and Media Cooperation
• Russia Decides to Join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
• Free 30-day e-visa and group tourist visa facility for Russian citizens
• Accelerating construction of the remaining units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Project and Discussions on a Relocation

About India-Russia Bilateral Relations

Historical Background

• India-Russia relations have been a cornerstone of independent India's foreign policy. The two countries have enjoyed a deep friendly relationship since 1947.
• It was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2000 and to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" in 2010.
• This relationship has stood the test of time and remains one of the most stable partnerships in the world.

Political

• Both countries fully respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Regular summits, 2+2 dialogues (foreign and defense ministers), National Security Advisor-level talks, and foreign ministry consultations are regular.

Trade

• Bilateral trade is expected to reach a record $68.7 billion in 2024-25.
• India imports oil, fertilizers, diamonds, and coal from Russia and exports pharmaceuticals, tea, and textiles.
• Revised target of $100 billion by 2030.
• Negotiations on trade in national currencies and the India-Eurasian Economic Union (FTA) are intensifying.

Defense

• Defense cooperation is the strongest pillar of the partnership.
• Projects such as the BrahMos missile, Su-30 MKI, T-90 tank, S-400; now emphasizing co-development and co-production.
• Participation of Indian contingent in the INDRA-2025 joint military exercise and Zapad-2025 in 2025.
• Manufacturing of components in India and export to third countries under Make in India.

Tourism

• Sharp increase in tourist arrivals following the introduction of e-visa facility.
• 30-day free e-visa and new group visa facility for Russians in 2025.
• More than 8.5 lakh people attended the 'Festival of India' in Moscow in 2025.

Cultural

• Yoga, Indian films, dance, and literature are extremely popular in Russia.
•  India was the guest of honor at the Moscow International Book Fair in 2025.
• The Russian Cultural Center in India and the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center in Russia are active. Film co-productions and participation in international film festivals are increasing.

Diaspora

• Approximately 15,000 Indians live in Russia and over 5,000 Russians in India.
• ​​Russian tourists and students in India, while Indian medical students (approximately 20,000) and IT professionals in Russia.
• A new agreement on the mobility of skilled workers in 2025.

Multilateral Organizations

• Russia supports India's permanent membership in the United Nations.
• Close coordination in BRICS, SCO, and G-20.
• Russia's full support to India's BRICS presidency in 2026.
• SCO-RATS cooperation in counter-terrorism. and utilizing the BRICS mechanism.

Projects

• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (6 units operational/under construction)
• BrahMos missile (exports to third countries)
• Northern Sea Route and Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor
• Investments in the Russian Far East and Arctic (2024-2029 program)
• Russian cooperation in Gaganyaan

Challenges

• Trade imbalance (India's trade deficit)
• Payment and logistics constraints due to Western sanctions
• Competition from third countries (China, US) in some sectors
• Indirect impact of global polarization due to the Ukraine conflict

Conclusion

Both countries aim to achieve balanced trade and reach $100 billion by 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on trade in national currencies, new connectivity corridors, emerging technologies (AI, quantum, critical minerals), long-term partnerships in nuclear and space, and Indian investments in the Russian Far East and Arctic. Both countries are united on issues like terrorism, climate change and multipolar world order.