Opinion | Putin Visit: Global Signalling Of Reinforced Strategic Autonomy |
As the world grapples with wars, sanctions, and Trump tariffs, India and Russia have maintained a calm approach, advancing significantly in various areas of constructive engagement.
A display of camaraderie and mutual respect was evident when Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed President Vladimir Putin at the aircraft ladder and personally drove him in his Toyota Fortuner, while Putin’s highly secure Aurus Senat limousine remained on standby. During Putin’s 30-hour visit on December 4 and 5, New Delhi was adorned with his portraits and the India-Russia flags.
Key issues such as geopolitics, multipolarity, trade, defence deals, energy supply, nuclear cooperation, space, and people-to-people contact were discussed at the 23rd India-Russia annual summit. The partnership, rooted in trust and mutual respect, was evident at every level of engagement.
Modi and Putin reiterated their commitment to strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, marking the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership established during the Russian President’s first state visit in October 2000. During the private dinner hosted by the Prime Minister on December 4, numerous topics must have been discussed.
As Putin’s visit concluded, here are the key outcomes:
The special nature of the relationship, based on mutual trust and respect for each other’s interests, was emphasised.
The strong relationship is crucial for global peace and stability. Various cooperation areas, including political, strategic, military, security, trade, investment, energy, science and technology, nuclear, space, cultural, education, and humanitarian, were discussed with renewed focus.
The 26th Session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), co-chaired by India’s external affairs minister and Russia’s first deputy prime minister, and the 22nd Session of the IRIGC on Military & Military-Technical........