Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday told Russian President Vladimir Putin that India stands for peace and emphasised the need for the world to return to peaceful coexistence, in reference to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“The world should return to peace, and we support every effort towards peace. India is not neutral; India is on the side of peace. India–Russia relations should grow and touch new heights,” said PM Modi.
The two leaders met at Hyderabad House in Delhi for bilateral talks. Here are top five things discussed, MoUs signed:
- PM Modi underlined New Delhi’s support for peace efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, conveying to Putin that India will stand shoulder-to-shoulder in all peace efforts to find an amicable solution to the conflict. “We have been holding discussions following the start of the Ukraine conflict. As a close friend, you have been regularly apprising us on the situation. I think trust is a major strength. We all should find the path of peace. I am aware of the latest efforts and I am confident that the world will turn to peace,” Modi said.
- On the issue of terrorism, PM Modi noted that both countries have long stood together in this struggle. He said, “Whether it is the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly strike at the Crocus City Hall — the root cause of all these incidents is the same.”
- He added that over the past eight decades, the world has gone through many highs and lows, with humanity facing various challenges and crises, yet the India–Russia partnership has remained steady like a pole star.
- PM Modi stated that the two countries discussed the ‘Economic Cooperation Programme’ up to 2030 and are working towards the early finalisation of an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union. “We agreed on India-Russia economic cooperation programme till 2030. Taking India-Russia economic partnership to new heights is our common priority,” PM Modi.
- Along with concluding the 2030 economic programme, both sides signed several agreements to broaden cooperation in various fields, including health, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
- Modi highlighted that collaboration between India and Russia in the critical minerals sector is essential for ensuring secure and diversified global supply chains. President Putin said that both nations have agreed to prioritise cooperation in security, economy, trade, and culture.
- “Building connectivity between both countries is our priority. We will start working on the International North–South Transport Corridor, the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor with new zest,” said PM Modi.
- The Press Trust of India and Russian news agency TASS signed a cooperation agreement for regular exchange of news content. The agreement was inked by Vijay Joshi, PTI’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief, and TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov on the sidelines of the India-Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, coinciding with the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, reported PTI.
- “Energy security has been a strong pillar of our partnership, and we will continue this win-win cooperation. Our collaboration in civil nuclear energy has spanned decades and contributed to clean energy. Our cooperation in critical minerals is essential for maintaining a diverse and reliable global supply chain,” said PM Modi.
- Russia and India said in a joint statement that they will realign their defence partnership to reflect New Delhi’s drive for self-reliance. “In response to India’s aspirations for self-reliance, the partnership is currently being reoriented toward joint research and development, as well as the production of advanced defence platforms,” the statement read.
President Putin, who is on a two-day visit to India, was received by PM Modi at Palam Airport on Thursday. The leaders shared a warm handshake, embraced, and then traveled together in the same car to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the Prime Minister.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. “India and Russia should grow and reach new heights,” PM Modi said.
