What Putin and Modi discussed during their talks in Delhi

In the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on December 5, Russian-Indian talks took place. Prior to this, Vladimir Putin participated in an official meeting ceremony with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and then visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat. Modi referred to Putin’s current visit to India as ‘historically significant,’ as 25 years ago he visited India for the first time as the Russian president. ‘For me personally, this is also an important event, because we have known each other for 25 years,’ the Prime Minister said.

Modi stated that the development of Indo-Russian relations serves as a good example ‘for other relationships.’ He mentioned their regular exchanges of views on Ukraine, emphasizing the deep trust between their countries. Putin expressed gratitude to Modi for the invitation to India and for their conversation the day before, acknowledging the opportunity to discuss the situation in Ukraine and joint efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

As the economies of Russia and India grow, opportunities for cooperation in new areas such as high technology, aviation, space, artificial intelligence, and military-technical cooperation expand. The two leaders signed several documents, including the program for the development of strategic directions in economic cooperation until 2030. They also signed agreements on combating illegal migration, healthcare collaboration, information exchange on goods and vehicles between Russia and India, a memorandum on training specialists to work on ships in polar waters, and an agreement on the implementation of an investment project to build a pharmaceutical plant in the Kaluga region.

Following the talks, Putin and Modi addressed the press. Modi highlighted the enduring relationship between India and Russia and their discussions on the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing India’s readiness to support peace efforts. Putin mentioned the possibility of increasing trade turnover between the two countries to $100 billion and the signed economic development cooperation program. He also noted ongoing negotiations on a free trade zone between India and the EAEU and Russia’s commitment to providing uninterrupted fuel supply to India.

After the negotiations, Putin and Modi were scheduled to speak at the plenary session of the Russian-Indian forum, attend the opening of RT India channel, meet with the President of India, and participate in a state reception.