India–Russia Strengthen Strategic Partnership: 30-Day Free Tourist Visa, $100 Billion Trade Target by 2030 & Labour Mobility Pact Announced During Putin’s Delhi Visit
India and Russia deepened their long-standing strategic partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held high-level talks in New Delhi on Friday.
The meeting marked Putin’s first visit to India since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022 and drew global attention, especially amid US pressure concerning India’s energy ties with Moscow—notably, the joint statement issued after the talks made no direct mention of the Ukraine war.
Major Announcements
The visit resulted in a series of critical agreements aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Among the most significant:
- 30-day free e-tourist visa for Russian nationals, soon to be implemented.
- Labour mobility pact to enable movement of skilled workforce between the two nations, along with cooperation in vocational training, education, sports and youth exchanges.
- Agreement on an economic cooperation roadmap until 2030 to enhance balanced and sustainable trade.
- Commitment to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union at the earliest.
Trade and Economic Engagement
Both leaders placed strong emphasis on economic collaboration. Modi highlighted plans to diversify and grow economic partnerships, while Putin called for expanding trade from the current USD 64–65 billion to USD 100 billion by 2030.
Putin noted that 96% of bilateral trade is already settled in national currencies, reducing dependency on the US dollar. The joint statement indirectly addressed US tariff actions, reiterating support for a transparent and non-discriminatory global trade system under the WTO.
Defence, Nuclear Energy and Technology Cooperation
Although Modi refrained from discussing defence publicly, Putin underscored the historic depth of military ties spanning over 50 years. Both sides agreed to:
- Promote joint manufacturing in India of components and spare parts for Russian-origin defence platforms under Make in India, including for export.
- Broaden nuclear energy cooperation, especially in operating and expanding the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and establishing a second nuclear site in India.
- Enhance collaboration on critical minerals, semiconductors, and clean energy sectors.
Connectivity, Maritime & Arctic Cooperation
Modi highlighted the importance of connectivity projects, including:
- INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor)
- Northern Sea Route
- Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor
Russia will assist in training Indian seafarers for polar navigation, opening employment avenues and strengthening cooperation in the Arctic region.
Statements by Modi & Putin
Modi praised Putin’s leadership and described India–Russia friendship as a partnership that has “stood strong through global challenges for eight decades.”
He reaffirmed that strategic cooperation between the two countries is guided by mutual trust and respect.
Putin called his discussions with Modi “constructive and friendly,” noting that their regular interactions maintain constant oversight over key bilateral projects.
He expressed confidence in significantly scaling trade and investment ties.
Security & Counter-Terrorism Focus
Both sides condemned the misuse of:
- Social media and digital payments for terror financing
- UAVs (drones) for hostile activities
They pledged joint efforts to strengthen cyber and security infrastructure.
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