New Delhi, December 5, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underscored the enduring friendship between India and Russia, calling it a cornerstone for addressing shared global challenges in the future. Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a two-day official visit to India, Modi highlighted the strategic, economic, and cultural ties that continue to bind the two nations, describing their relationship as both “special” and “privileged.”

“Your Excellency, I have full faith that in the coming future, our friendship will enable us to face global challenges, and it is this belief that will further strengthen and enrich our shared future,” Modi said, looking directly at President Putin. He emphasized that the long-standing partnership between India and Russia has consistently been marked by mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared vision of stability and peace.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of a robust diplomatic agenda, with both countries exploring avenues to expand trade, strengthen connectivity, and enhance collaboration on security, energy, and infrastructure projects. Modi noted that India and Russia have stood together in the global fight against terrorism, emphasizing the shared commitment of both nations to safeguard humanity against violent extremism.

Citing recent attacks, he said, “Whether it is the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, or the cowardly attack on Russia’s Crocus City Hall in 2024, all such acts have the same roots. India believes that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity, and global unity against it is our greatest strength.” His remarks reflected India’s continuing resolve to work alongside Russia and other partners to counter the growing threats posed by terrorism and extremism.

In addition to security cooperation, Modi outlined ambitious plans to strengthen economic and infrastructural linkages between the two countries. He announced that India and Russia have agreed on a comprehensive economic cooperation program aimed at expanding bilateral trade through 2030. “Building connectivity between India and Russia is one of our top priorities,” he said. Among the initiatives highlighted were the International North–South Transport Corridor, the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, which Modi stated would be pursued “with new zest” to facilitate trade, logistics, and regional integration.

Addressing cultural and diplomatic engagement, Modi emphasized the people-to-people links that reinforce bilateral ties. He highlighted past events and exchanges that have strengthened understanding between the citizens of the two nations, reiterating that India values Russia not only as a strategic partner but also as a friend in navigating complex global challenges.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking alongside Modi, echoed the sentiments, describing his recent discussions with the Indian Prime Minister as “very helpful for our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him and conveyed appreciation for the close working dialogue that India and Russia have maintained over the years.

Putin referenced previous meetings with Modi, including discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, and highlighted the ongoing personal oversight of the Russia–India dialogue at the highest levels. “PM Modi and I have established a close working dialogue,” he said, underlining the personal rapport that has developed between the two leaders over multiple summits and bilateral meetings.

Turning to economic matters, Putin noted that the bilateral trade turnover between India and Russia continues to grow steadily. He recalled that last year, trade between the two countries grew by 12 percent, setting a new record, and expressed optimism that the current year’s trade agreements would maintain a similarly impressive level. “We are currently forecasting that this year’s trade agreement will remain at the same impressive level,” he said, signaling confidence in the sustainability and resilience of India–Russia trade relations.

Highlighting the proactive approach of both governments, Putin mentioned that Modi had provided a detailed list of challenges that require joint attention, adding, “We will act on them.” The statement emphasized that India and Russia are not merely engaging in ceremonial diplomacy but are working collaboratively to address issues spanning trade, infrastructure, security, energy, and global governance.

The joint press meet also reflected broader geopolitical undertones, as India continues to navigate a complex international environment marked by economic competition, strategic realignments, and evolving security challenges. By emphasizing the enduring partnership with Russia, Modi reinforced India’s commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy based on strategic autonomy, while simultaneously deepening ties with long-standing allies to address mutual interests.

Observers noted that the tone and content of the discussions reflected a continuity in India–Russia relations, with both countries leveraging historical ties to advance contemporary priorities. From expanding trade and building transport corridors to countering terrorism and strengthening diplomatic engagement, the visit showcased a multifaceted approach to bilateral relations.

The leaders also highlighted the symbolic importance of personal rapport in diplomacy. Modi and Putin’s interactions, including a bilateral dinner prior to the press briefing, were described as candid and constructive, allowing both sides to address challenges directly and explore opportunities for collaboration. Putin described the dinner discussions as “very helpful,” underscoring the role of sustained dialogue in consolidating the special strategic partnership.

India and Russia’s shared commitment to multilateralism and global stability also featured prominently in the discussion. Modi reiterated the importance of maintaining cooperative mechanisms to address transnational issues such as terrorism, climate change, and economic inequality. Both leaders stressed that their partnership provides a platform to navigate complex global challenges collectively, ensuring that the bilateral relationship contributes positively to regional and international peace and stability.

As the press conference concluded, Modi and Putin reaffirmed the centrality of trust, mutual respect, and shared vision in guiding India–Russia relations. Modi’s emphasis on friendship as a means to confront global challenges encapsulated the broader narrative of strategic alignment and enduring partnership that has defined the two countries’ engagement over decades.

With trade agreements, transport corridors, and security cooperation forming the pillars of the ongoing dialogue, the visit underscored India’s efforts to balance strategic autonomy with proactive diplomacy. The two-day visit of President Putin to India, marked by high-level meetings and public statements, is expected to further solidify cooperation in areas ranging from economic development and technology to defense and counter-terrorism.

In sum, the joint statements by Modi and Putin reinforced the message that India and Russia view their partnership not merely as a historical relic of past alliances but as a forward-looking relationship capable of addressing modern geopolitical, economic, and security challenges. Both nations committed to maintaining strong ties, expanding collaboration, and leveraging their “special and privileged” strategic partnership to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

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