India, Russia stand shoulder to shoulder against terrorism: Modi

Chinese state media notes Putin’s stand on India-China bilateral issues

Chinese state media on Friday drew attention to President Vladimir Putin’s remarks describing both India and China as Russia’s closest partners, while stressing that Moscow has “no right” to involve itself in their bilateral issues. Although Beijing, a key Russian ally, has not formally reacted to Putin’s trip to India, it is closely monitoring developments.

Putin’s visit received limited coverage in China’s official outlets, which prioritised French President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing trip to Beijing. However, the state-run Global Times reported Putin’s comments on Russia’s ties with New Delhi and Beijing. Citing an interview with India Today, the paper noted Putin’s assertion that Russia values its relationships with both Asian powers but will not interfere in their disputes.

Referencing TASS, the report said Putin believes Indian and Chinese leaders are capable of resolving even sensitive matters, pointing to their judgement as essential for progress. Analysts note that while Beijing and Moscow maintain a strong strategic alignment, Russia’s longstanding partnership with India continues to unsettle China, particularly after the 2020 border tensions.

Chinese agency Xinhua also briefly highlighted Putin’s dismissal of US criticism over India’s oil imports from Russia. China, the leading buyer of Russian energy, has likewise rejected Washington’s calls to curb purchases.

(With agency inputs)

Putin’s India visit ‘very positive,’ says Russia’s Manturov

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India had been “very positive from both sides,” noting that it reaffirmed the momentum in bilateral ties.

He stressed that Russia aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Indian companies to achieve more balanced trade. Manturov added that developing opportunities in both India and Russia remains a key area of collaboration.

“Indian companies should find respective business partners in Russia,” he said, encouraging deeper commercial engagement. Manturov also noted that Russia expects significant Indian participation at exhibitions next year, signalling continued support for expanding India’s presence in the Russian market.

Putin leaves ITC Maurya for Rashtrapati Bhavan banquet

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed the ITC Maurya hotel on Monday, with fresh visuals showing his convoy moving towards Rashtrapati Bhavan.

His visit continues with a ceremonial reception and official engagements scheduled throughout the day. President Droupadi Murmu will host a state banquet in Putin’s honour later this evening, marking a key diplomatic event of his India trip.

The banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan will bring together senior officials and dignitaries as part of the formal welcome extended to the Russian President during his stay in New Delhi.

Congress says LoPs left out of Putin dinner, questions Tharoor for accepting invite

The Congress on Friday said that Leaders of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had not been invited to the banquet hosted for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the party also made a pointed remark about its MP Shashi Tharoor accepting an invitation. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh noted that while there had been speculation about invitations to the two LoPs, “the two LoPs have not been invited.” Party spokesperson Pawan Khera accused the government of routinely disregarding protocol and democratic norms, saying the absence of invitations for Kharge and Gandhi reflected this pattern.

Asked about Tharoor receiving and accepting an invite, Khera said individuals must reflect on whether they should attend when senior party leaders are excluded. He argued that politics appeared to influence the decision on whom to invite, and that accepting such invitations also raised questions. Tharoor, however, said he would attend, noting that chairs of the External Affairs Committee were earlier routinely invited and that the practice now seemed to have resumed.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting the Leader of the Opposition due to “insecurity,” asserting that such meetings were once a consistent tradition under previous governments.

(With agency inputs)

PM Modi urges peaceful Ukraine solution in talks with Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the cultural foundation of the India–Russia partnership, noting that “a key part of the India-Russia friendship is our cultural and people-to-people ties.” He said this connection has grown stronger with the opening of two new Indian consulates in Russia and the recent visit of holy Buddhist relics. Modi added that both countries see significant room to expand cooperation in “education, skill development and training.”

He said global issues were also central to his discussions with President Vladimir Putin. Modi reaffirmed “India’s strong commitment to peace and to finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in Ukraine.” He stressed in a post on  X that the two leaders also “emphasised the need to jointly combat the menace of terrorism.”

Modi concluded that India and Russia have agreed “to keep working closely in various multilateral forums,” reflecting their intention to maintain coordination on key international challenges.

PM Modi: India-Russia ties strengthened with 2030 blueprint

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit offered a valuable platform for an in-depth review of the many dimensions of cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the discussions covered a wide spectrum of ongoing and emerging areas of partnership.

In a post, on X Modi added that both sides have agreed on an Economic Cooperation Programme extending until 2030, aimed at broadening and diversifying the existing framework of trade and investment ties.

He explained that the summit included detailed conversations on strengthening connectivity and identifying ways to improve the movement of goods and collaboration between various sectors.

According to Modi, the leaders also focused on expanding cooperation in shipbuilding and upgrading skill-based partnerships, alongside examining shared opportunities in the energy sector and in critical minerals.

He emphasised that these areas represent important pillars of the bilateral relationship and reflect a joint commitment to further deepen India–Russia engagement across multiple fronts.

Foreign Secretary urges Indians to avoid recruitment into Russian forces

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the Prime Minister raised the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian armed forces, and that India is making sustained efforts to secure their early release.

He cautioned Indian citizens to be extremely wary of any offers to join the Russian military, noting that several individuals are currently stranded and seeking assistance to return. Misri emphasised that the government is actively working to bring them back.

He also outlined recent steps taken to facilitate travel between the two countries. India has introduced a 30-day e-tourist visa on a gratis basis, offered reciprocally. In addition, he said India has begun considering group tourist visas, also extended to Russia for the first time without any fee.

Misri noted that these measures aim to support smoother movement of travellers and strengthen people-to-people engagement, while consular efforts continue to prioritise the welfare and safety of Indian citizens abroad.

India-Russia ties seen as anchor amid geopolitical strain: Foreign Secretary

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the India–Russia partnership holds substantial weight not only at the bilateral level but also in regional and global contexts. He described the relationship as a steady anchor for constructive engagement at a time when the geopolitical landscape is increasingly complex. Misri noted that the primary focus of the visit was on advancing economic cooperation and strengthening industrial and investment partnerships between the two countries.

He added that global supply chains are facing significant strain, trade ties worldwide are under pressure, and investment patterns have become increasingly unpredictable. In such circumstances, he said, India and Russia choosing to prioritise issues of economic collaboration sends a clear signal.

According to Misri, the emphasis on industrial growth, investment stability and practical economic cooperation reflects both countries’ intent to navigate current global uncertainties together and reinforce a relationship that remains strategically important amid shifting international dynamics.

India, Russia expand trade settlements in local currencies: Foreign Secretary

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India and Russia are continuing efforts to expand the use of national currencies in bilateral trade. He explained that a substantial number of Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) have already been opened, describing them as an effective mechanism that helps keep trade flows between the two countries smooth and operational. Misri emphasised that this system has become an important tool in facilitating transactions as both sides look to strengthen economic engagement.

He noted that one of the key objectives during the ongoing discussions was to find ways to boost Indian exports to Russia. Addressing the trade imbalance, he said, remains a priority, and expanding India’s export basket is central to achieving a more even economic relationship. Misri added that increasing export volumes, combined with broader use of national currencies for settlement, would support this goal.

According to him, progress on these two fronts-reducing trade disparities and enlarging avenues for currency-based settlements-will help both countries advance toward a more balanced and resilient commercial partnership. He reiterated that India and Russia remain committed to refining mechanisms that ensure steady, uninterrupted trade while creating conditions that benefit businesses on both sides.

India, Russia push for balanced trade and energy cooperation

In the Joint Statement released after the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin reiterated their commitment to expanding bilateral trade in a more balanced and sustainable direction. Both leaders agreed on the need to increase India’s exports to Russia, deepen industrial cooperation, and pursue new technological and investment partnerships. They highlighted advanced high-technology sectors as priority areas and emphasised the importance of identifying fresh avenues and formats for collaboration.

The statement noted that “Russia and India have agreed to continue jointly developing systems of bilateral settlements through the use of the national currencies in order to ensure the uninterrupted maintenance of bilateral trade.” This, they said, will support smoother economic transactions and reinforce long-term commercial ties.

The two countries also recognised the substantial ongoing and future cooperation between their companies across multiple energy-related fields. These areas include oil and petroleum products, refining and petrochemical technologies, oilfield services, upstream technologies, gas infrastructure such as LNG and LPG, underground coal gasification, nuclear projects, and other established ventures. They stressed the need for the timely resolution of challenges affecting investment projects in the energy sector and agreed to work together to address the concerns raised by investors on both sides to ensure continued progress in this domain.