PM Modi and Russian President Putin addressed a joint press conference
Various
NEW DELHI, December 05, 2025: India and Russia signed sixteen agreements Friday in areas related to defence, trade, economy, healthcare, academics, culture and media during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a joint press conference.
Modi expressed confidence in the strength of the India-Russia friendship to face global challenges and enrich the shared future of both nations. He also highlighted the strong partnership between the two countries in the fight against terrorism, stating that terrorism is a direct assault on humanity and global unity is the greatest strength against it.
Modi announced that India will soon launch a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day Group Tourist Visa for Russian citizens. He also mentioned that Russia has decided to adopt the Framework Agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance. Modi asserted that President Putin's visit comes at a time when bilateral relations are reaching historic milestones, and despite the ups and downs in the world, India-Russia ties have remained strong.
In a joint statement issued after the summit, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating challenges and threats such as terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, money laundering, terrorist financing and illicit drug trafficking. They also condemned terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir and in Russia at the Crocus City Hall. Both leaders called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities including Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, and their affiliates.
Briefing news media, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the discussions between Modi and Putin focused on the proposed Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union with an agreement to fast-track negotiations for early conclusion.
He also highlighted the robust defence and military technical cooperation between the two countries, with Russia's support for India's Make In India initiative.
On the Ukraine conflict, President Putin briefed Modi at length, and the Prime Minister reiterated India's long-standing position on the issue. Modi and Putin also co-chaired the India-Russia Business Forum, where Modi expressed confidence in India's potential to become the world's third-largest economy through a policy of reform, perform and transform.
https://indigenousherald.com/