The significant and unprecedented outcomes of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India on December 4-5 this year have convincingly reaffirmed the truly privileged strategic nature of the bilateral partnership.

Following the summit, a substantive joint statement was adopted, notably a Program for the development of strategic directions of Russian-Indian economic cooperation until 2030. A package of interstate and interdepartmental agreements and documents was also signed, alongside protocols and memoranda between commercial entities covering various aspects of the multifaceted bilateral partnership. The importance of constructive and fruitful cooperation between the two countries on international platforms – including the UN, the G20, the SCO, and BRICS – was also emphasized.

Russia pledged its full support for India’s upcoming BRICS presidency in 2026, within a framework where both countries are successfully cooperating in the interests of the Global South and helping shape a new multipolar world order.

Significance of the two leaders’ meeting

In light of expressed interest in the matter, President Putin provided Indian leaders with a detailed account of contacts with American representatives regarding the settlement of the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, gratitude was expressed to New Delhi for its balanced position on Ukraine.

The meeting between the Russian and Indian leaders holds particular importance against the backdrop of a tense and turbulent international climate surrounding Moscow’s unprecedented military and political confrontation with the Collective West. Seeking to exploit the situation in Ukraine, the Western alliance has intensified efforts to drive wedges into the dynamically developing Russian-Indian relationship – attempting to draw influential India to its side and create difficulties in its growing cooperation with Russia. However, these plans have failed. New Delhi has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening traditionally close, trusting, and mutually beneficial ties with Moscow as a proven and reliable strategic partner. By adopting a balanced position on the Ukraine conflict that is favorable to Russia, the wise Indian leadership has not only maintained but further deepened cooperation across various fields. Bilateral trade turnover has grown almost fivefold over the past four years, from $13 billion to $68 billion. New agreements have been........

© New Eastern Outlook