New Delhi: The enduring partnership between India and Russia continues to be guided by a shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual socio-economic and technological progress, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday while hosting a banquet in honour of visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Murmu welcomed President Putin and his delegation, noting that his visit coincides with a significant milestone — the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, which was established in October 2000during Putin’s first visit to India as president. “Our partnership is guided by a shared commitment to peace, stability and mutual socio-economic and technological advancement,” the President said, according to a statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Murmu expressed her appreciation for President Putin’s personal commitment to strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries. She highlighted that 2025 has been an especially fruitful year for bilateral cooperation, with substantial progress across a wide spectrum of sectors, including high-level political exchanges, trade and economy, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, space, science and technology, education, culture, and vibrant people-to-people interactions.

Recalling the centuries-old cultural dialogue between India and Russia, President Murmu traced historical links from ancient trade routes to the remarkable correspondence between Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy, and emphasized the mutual admiration for each other’s cultural, literary, and artistic heritage. She said that these longstanding connections form the bedrock of the relationship and continue to inspire collaboration in contemporary times.

India-Russia Annual Summit and Bilateral Framework

President Murmu highlighted that the joint statement of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit reflects the special nature of the bilateral ties and provides a comprehensive framework for further deepening cooperation. She emphasized that the India-Russia partnership remains steadfast and resilient, navigating global challenges and geopolitical shifts while maintaining strategic continuity.

The banquet was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside other senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. President Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a tri-services guard of honour, upon his arrival at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He landed in New Delhi around 7 pm on Thursday, marking his first visit to India in four years.

Strengthening Economic and Trade Cooperation

During the summit, India and Russia firmed up a five-year plan to bolster economic and trade ties, signalling a commitment to deepen cooperation despite challenges posed by Washington’s punitive tariffs and sanctions regime. The two sides also finalised the 2030 economic programme, aiming to expand trade, investment, and technological collaboration.

Several agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors, including health, mobility and migration, food safety, shipping, and people-to-people exchanges. These agreements are expected to strengthen bilateral engagement and create sustainable opportunities for joint development across strategic and commercial domains.

Shared Commitment to Peace and Counter-Terrorism

Prime Minister Modi and President Putin also addressed pressing security concerns during their summit talks. Both leaders condemned recent terror attacks, including the assaults in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, underscoring the need for a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

Modi reaffirmed that terrorism is a direct assault on humanity and emphasized the importance of global unity in combating extremist violence, while Putin reiterated Russia’s support for joint initiatives aimed at countering transnational terror networks and preventing radicalization.

The leaders also discussed the broader geopolitical context, with Modi conveying to Putin that the war in Ukraine must be brought to an end through peaceful and diplomatic means. Both sides agreed that bilateral cooperation and strategic dialogue can contribute to regional stability and global security, reinforcing their commitment to a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values.

The Path Ahead

The India-Russia relationship, which spans over eight decades, continues to act as a “pole star” of India’s foreign policy, guiding the country through changing global dynamics. Both leaders expressed confidence that the friendship between the two nations, grounded in trust, historical ties, and strategic alignment, will continue to prosper and evolve in the years to come.

President Murmu’s remarks at the banquet reflected the multi-dimensional nature of India-Russia ties, emphasizing that the partnership is not only strategic and economic but also cultural and people-centric. She reaffirmed that both nations remain committed to advancing mutual interests, deepening collaboration across sectors, and fostering enduring goodwill for the benefit of their citizens and the international community.