At a joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and the people of India for the warm and hospitable welcome extended to the Russian delegation.
Putin said his dinner meeting with Prime Minister Modi was very productive and further strengthened the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations. He added that both leaders have established a close working relationship, meeting earlier at the SCO Summit, and are personally overseeing the Russia–India dialogue.
Putin announced that Russia is ready to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies to India and is looking to expand cooperation in the energy sector. He also noted that India and Russia are gradually moving towards using their national currencies for bilateral payments, with an aim to increase annual trade to USD 100 billion.
Highlighting ongoing cooperation, Putin said Russia is building India’s largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam. Two of the six units are already operational, while four are under construction. Once completed, the plant will significantly support India’s clean and affordable energy needs. He also mentioned collaboration on small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants, and nuclear technology for medical and agricultural use.
A large Indo-Russian pharmaceutical plant will be set up in the Kaluga region in Russia, to produce high-quality anti-tumour medicines using advanced Indian technology. Russian companies will also take part in manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. Cultural and educational exchanges continue to expand, and the launch of the RT channel in India is expected to help audiences better understand Russia.
Putin said both countries follow independent foreign policies and work together within BRICS and the SCO to promote a more just and multipolar world order. He expressed confidence that the visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership.
Also, India and Russia signed an MoU for cooperation in the port and shipping sector, along with agreements in the health and food safety sectors. India also announced that work on the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor will be taken up with renewed focus.
