India, Russia Seal 5-Year Economic Roadmap as Modi Urges Peaceful End to Ukraine War

New Delhi, December 5, 2025: India and Russia on Friday finalised a five-year roadmap aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties, even as both nations navigate the impact of US-led sanctions and tariff measures targeting Moscow. During their summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin underscored their intent to inject new energy into a partnership that has endured for more than eight decades.

The two leaders adopted the India–Russia Economic Cooperation Programme 2030, designed to make bilateral trade more diverse, balanced and resilient. They also oversaw the signing of agreements covering health, mobility and migration, food safety, shipping and cultural exchanges, reflecting their commitment to widening cooperation across key sectors.

Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening to a ceremonial welcome, with Modi personally receiving him at the airport before hosting a private dinner. The visit drew attention across Western capitals, where concerns persist over growing India–Russia engagement at a time when the West is tightening restrictions on Russian oil and other exports to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.

Speaking after the summit, PM Modi noted that global geopolitics had shifted dramatically over the past decades, but the India–Russia relationship had remained “steadfast like a pole star.” He said the two sides had agreed on a comprehensive plan to take economic cooperation to “new heights,” emphasising that both nations view trade expansion as a shared strategic priority.

Modi also announced that India will soon roll out a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens, a move aimed at boosting people-to-people engagement.

President Putin said Moscow intends to raise annual bilateral trade from USD 64 billion to USD 100 billion and reaffirmed Russia’s role as a reliable supplier of oil, gas and coal for India’s growing energy needs. He said Russia is prepared to ensure uninterrupted fuel shipments and is exploring cooperation in small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants and non-energy nuclear technologies, including applications in agriculture and healthcare.

Modi described energy security as an “important pillar” of the India–Russia partnership, highlighting the long-standing collaboration in civil nuclear energy. He also stressed the growing significance of critical minerals, saying cooperation in this area would bolster global supply-chain stability for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing.

The Ukraine conflict featured prominently in the talks. Modi reiterated India’s consistent call for peace, saying New Delhi welcomes every effort that aims for a “peaceful and lasting solution.” He said India has always been ready to contribute constructively and will continue to do so.

Both leaders also discussed their continued cooperation against terrorism. Referring to attacks in Pahalgam and at Russia’s Crocus City Hall, Modi said that the “root cause” behind such incidents remains the same extremism, adding that terrorism represents a direct assault on humanity.

Modi said enhancing connectivity between India and Russia—through new trade routes and logistical frameworks—remains a key priority for the future of the partnership.