Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said it was “entirely natural” for Russia and India to maintain deep economic ties, expressing confidence that bilateral trade would continue to expand. He was speaking at a joint press interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi after their summit-level talks at Hyderabad House on December 5.
Addressing the joint press meet with President Putin.@KremlinRussia_E https://t.co/ECjpvWj7CF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2025
Putin emphasised that both countries are committed to charting “independent foreign policies” and supporting a “multipolar world order”, comments that come as India faces intense pressure from Washington to curb oil purchases from Moscow. “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.
Russia Promises Uninterrupted Fuel Supplies to India
Amid continued US scrutiny of India’s energy sourcing, Putin assured that Moscow remains ready to provide “uninterrupted shipments” of oil and other fuels. Earlier in the day, he told Modi that Russia will continue supplying “oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” according to AFP.
PM Modi, while thanking Putin for his “unwavering commitment towards India”, said energy security has long been a central pillar of the partnership. He made no direct reference to oil during the joint statement but stressed that cooperation remains robust.
Make in India: Russian Firms to Join Domestic Manufacturing
At the joint press meet, Putin announced that Russian companies would participate more actively in domestic production under the Make in India initiative. “Russian enterprises will also participate in manufacturing under the Make in India program. Our cultural and educational exchanges continue to grow,” he said.
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Both leaders voiced satisfaction with the outcome of the summit. “We are satisfied with our talks and confident that this visit will further strengthen our strategic partnership,” Putin added.
Nuclear Energy Cooperation Expands at Kudankulam
Putin highlighted nuclear energy as another major area of bilateral progress, noting advancements at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. “We are building the largest Indian nuclear power plant in India’s 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,” he said.
US Tariffs Add Pressure to India-Russia Trade
The reaffirmation of ties comes at a crucial time. In August, US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian products, citing Delhi’s continued procurement of Russian oil as “funding Putin’s war in Ukraine”. India has maintained that its trade decisions are guided solely by “national interest” and its sovereign right to make independent choices.
India-Russia Plan Economic Cooperation Through 2030
Modi said both sides had agreed to an “economic cooperation program until 2030”, accompanied by the signing of agreements across sectors including jobs, health, shipping, and chemicals. “This will ensure that our trade and investment are diversified, balanced, and sustainable,” he said.
The summit reaffirmed that despite geopolitical turbulence, New Delhi and Moscow continue to view each other as key strategic partners with long-term economic and security interests.
