Saturday, March 29, 2025
India and Russia Sign Major Agreements on Free e-Tourist Visa, Medical Education, Shipping and More — Read the Full Modi–Putin Joint Statement
The India–Russia Summit and bilateral talks have concluded, followed by a comprehensive joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Earlier today, both leaders held a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where several key agreements were exchanged. These agreements are expected to significantly strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
#WATCH | Delhi | Following the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, PM Modi says, " To increase economic cooperation between India and Russia is our priority, and for this we have agreed on an economic cooperation program till 2030." https://t.co/U2gVRqJR2l
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025
Prime Minister Modi announced that India will introduce a 30-day free e-tourist visa for Russian nationals. In addition, India and Russia signed several agreements covering medical education, healthcare, shipping, transportation, labour mobility, migration, food safety, standards, polar shipping, maritime cooperation, and fertilizers. All these agreements are expected to become fully operational by 2030.
Prime Minister Modi recalled that in 2010, India–Russia ties were elevated to a strategic partnership. He said President Putin’s leadership over the past 25 years has strengthened this relationship in every situation. Modi thanked Putin for his unwavering friendship and expressed hope that the partnership would continue to grow stronger.
Modi also said:
India and Russia are committed to finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon.
Both countries are advancing cooperation on urea production.
The Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor will be pushed forward with renewed energy.
Energy cooperation continues to be the cornerstone of India–Russia relations.
The civil nuclear partnership will be taken to the next stage.
Two new agreements have been signed to promote mobility for students, scholars, professionals, and athletes.
India will support efforts to peacefully resolve the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
President Putin expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and the Indian delegation. He thanked PM Modi for the hospitality extended during the state dinner.
Highlights from Putin’s statement:
Russia will continue uninterrupted fuel supplies to support India’s fast-growing economy.
Bilateral trade saw a record 12% increase last year, reaching USD 64 billion.
Trade is expected to cross USD 100 billion in the coming years.
A Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union will boost economic ties further.
India and Russia are collaborating on the largest nuclear power plant in Russia, with three of six reactors already connected to the grid.
Work is underway on establishing new international transport routes, including the North–South Transport Corridor linking Russia/Belarus to India’s coast.
Putin expressed confidence that India–Russia friendship will help both countries tackle global challenges and shape a more prosperous future.
