New Delhi- In a summit closely watched by world capitals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday reaffirmed the strength of their eight-decade-old partnership, projecting it as a stabilising force at a time when global geopolitics is undergoing rapid and often turbulent realignments.

Against the backdrop of escalating Western sanctions, new US tariff threats and continuing conflict in Ukraine, the India–Russia annual summit in New Delhi carried unmistakable geopolitical messaging: the relationship is not only intact but is poised for deeper strategic expansion.

The two leaders finalised a 2030 Strategic Economic Programme, announced major decisions on labour mobility, energy security, nuclear cooperation and connectivity, and made clear that external pressure would not dilute the partnership.

A Partnership Framed as a Pole of Stability

Modi described the India–Russia friendship as a“pole star” that has remained constant despite global upheavals. Putin echoed the sentiment, framing the relationship as central to building a multipolar world order-one that accommodates rising powers and provides alternatives to Western-led economic and security architectures.

This emphasis on multipolarity is significant: both countries increasingly view each other as key partners in navigating a shifting global balance where old alliances are fraying and new coalitions are taking shape.

Peace Messaging on Ukraine

Modi told Putin that the war in Ukraine must end through peaceful means, signalling India's growing willingness to articulate its position more clearly. While rejecting the“neutrality” label, he reiterated that India stands“on the side of peace.”

The remark allowed New Delhi to balance its strategic autonomy-maintaining ties with Moscow without alienating Western partners. Putin, for his part, welcomed India's stance without pressing for explicit political support.

Five-Year Economic Roadmap

In a direct counter to Washington's sanctions and tariff regime, India and Russia unveiled an ambitious plan to scale bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030-up from USD 64 billion.

Multiple agreements were signed in key sectors including:

• mobility and migration
• health
• food safety
• shipping
• labour and skill development

Modi also announced free 30-day e-tourist visas for Russian citizens, signalling a push to rebuild people-to-people ties disrupted by global travel instability.

Labour Mobility: A Major Strategic Gain

One of the summit's most consequential outcomes was the manpower mobility agreement-an arrangement that gives Indian workers smoother and safer access to Russian job markets in construction, textiles, logistics, engineering and electronics.

With Europe tightening migration pathways and Middle Eastern labour markets becoming more competitive, the pact opens a valuable new economic corridor for India while helping Russia address acute workforce shortages.

Energy and Nuclear Cooperation

Putin assured India of uninterrupted oil, gas and coal supplies-critical at a time when global energy prices are volatile and subject to geopolitical manipulation.

The two sides also advanced plans for:

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