New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 December described India-Russia ties as a “North Star” amid a shifting global order, as both nations finalised an Economic Cooperation Programme extending till 2030.
The announcement about the Vision 2030 economic pact came during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following the 23rd India-Russia Bilateral Summit in New Delhi.
Modi said the long-term cooperation framework will help diversify trade and investment avenues, building on the $68.7 billion bilateral trade recorded in FY 2024-25. He added that the Vision 2030 document will guide deeper collaboration across sectors and support new opportunities for co-production and co-innovation.
The PM and the president will also participate in the India-Russia Business Forum, which Modi said would provide momentum to commercial partnerships. He noted that both sides are taking fresh steps toward a proposed Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.
To boost people-to-people ties, Modi announced that Russian citizens will soon be eligible for a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa, calling it an important step for easing mobility between the two countries.
Reiterating India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Modi said New Delhi has consistently supported peace efforts and remains committed to contributing to any initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution.
