New Delhi, December 5, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint press briefing in New Delhi on Friday following their high-level summit, emphasizing the deepening strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. Speaking to the media, President Putin underscored the importance of independent foreign policies, a multipolar world order, and robust energy cooperation, while highlighting Russia’s readiness to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies to India.

Addressing the press, Putin described it as “entirely natural” for Russia and India to maintain strong economic ties. He expressed confidence that trade relations between the two countries would continue to expand in the coming years. “Russia and India pursue independent foreign policies and work together in BRICS and SCO for a more just and democratic multipolar world order,” Putin said. He added that the discussions during the summit were highly productive and that the visit would further strengthen the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.

The joint press briefing came at a crucial moment for India’s energy and foreign policy, as New Delhi faces mounting pressure from the United States to reduce or halt purchases of Russian oil. Putin reassured PM Modi that Russia is ready to continue “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel, including oil, gas, and coal, supporting India’s energy security needs. He emphasized that Russia remains a reliable supplier for India, offering a diverse energy portfolio that contributes to the country’s growing demand for clean, affordable, and sustainable power.

Energy cooperation formed a central theme of the briefing. Putin highlighted the collaboration between Russia and India in the nuclear power sector, particularly at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. “We are building the largest Indian nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. Two of six units are already connected to the grid, and four are under construction. Once fully operational, it will make a major contribution to India’s clean and affordable energy needs,” Putin said. He also reiterated that Russian expertise and technological support will remain key to India’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and strengthen its infrastructure for sustainable development.

In addition to energy, Putin spoke about industrial and cultural cooperation. He highlighted the participation of Russian enterprises in India’s Make in India program, emphasizing that joint manufacturing initiatives would continue to grow. He also noted the expansion of educational and cultural exchanges, reflecting the multi-dimensional nature of the bilateral relationship. “Our cultural and educational exchanges continue to grow, reinforcing the people-to-people ties that underpin our strategic partnership,” he said.

PM Modi, in turn, expressed appreciation for Russia’s unwavering commitment to India, highlighting energy security as a core pillar of bilateral relations. “Energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership,” Modi said, without making a direct reference to oil. He also announced that India and Russia had agreed on a comprehensive economic cooperation program through 2030, covering diverse sectors including jobs, healthcare, shipping, and chemicals. “This will ensure that our trade and investment are diversified, balanced, and sustainable,” Modi said.

The summit and subsequent press briefing are particularly significant in the backdrop of international tensions and trade disputes. Earlier this year, the United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on most Indian exports, citing Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil and alleging that the trade was funding Russia’s war in Ukraine. India has consistently maintained that it exercises its sovereign right to trade in line with national interests. By emphasizing energy cooperation and independent foreign policies, both leaders underscored the principle of sovereign decision-making in global trade and diplomacy.

Putin also elaborated on Russia’s energy capabilities, affirming that the country is a reliable supplier of a wide range of energy resources crucial for India’s development. “Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy sector,” he said, according to AFP. The statement reflects the strategic dimension of the India-Russia energy partnership, which encompasses conventional and nuclear energy, long-term fuel contracts, and joint technology initiatives aimed at supporting India’s energy security and industrial growth.

The summit addressed multiple aspects of bilateral cooperation beyond energy. Both countries explored avenues for economic, industrial, and technological collaboration, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, chemicals, and shipping. Agreements exchanged during the summit are expected to create employment opportunities, foster sustainable development, and diversify trade relations. PM Modi stressed that these agreements are designed to ensure long-term, balanced, and mutually beneficial economic ties.

Beyond economic and energy cooperation, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral collaboration through platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Putin emphasized that India and Russia share a vision of a multipolar world order where sovereign nations exercise independent foreign policies free from coercion. “We are satisfied with our talks and confident that this visit will further strengthen our strategic partnership,” he said.

Education and people-to-people exchanges were another focal point. Both leaders highlighted the importance of fostering cultural understanding and increasing opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals. Initiatives discussed included expanding academic programs, collaborative research, and sports exchanges, reflecting the long-term commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral ties at multiple levels of society.

The press briefing also reiterated India’s position on exercising its sovereign right to pursue energy deals in alignment with its national interests. By securing uninterrupted fuel supplies from Russia, India aims to maintain energy stability while continuing its broader economic development agenda. The collaboration between the two countries is seen as a model of strategic partnership, balancing economic needs, technological cooperation, and international diplomacy.

In conclusion, the joint press briefing by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted several key dimensions of the bilateral relationship:

1. Energy Security – Continued cooperation in oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power to meet India’s growing energy needs.
2. Independent Foreign Policy – A shared commitment to sovereign decision-making and a multipolar global order.
3. Economic Collaboration – Long-term agreements in manufacturing, shipping, chemicals, and employment generation under programs such as Make in India.
4. Nuclear Cooperation – Strategic projects such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant contributing to clean and affordable energy.
5. Cultural and Educational Exchanges – Strengthening people-to-people ties, academic collaboration, and sports programs.
6. Multilateral Cooperation – Reinforcing partnerships within BRICS and SCO frameworks to promote global stability and balanced development.

The summit and subsequent press briefing reaffirm India and Russia’s longstanding strategic partnership, signaling strong bilateral coordination amid complex global geopolitical dynamics. With energy cooperation, economic collaboration, and cultural engagement at the forefront, both countries are poised to deepen their ties, ensure mutual benefit, and project a model of sovereign, independent partnership in international affairs.