Putin arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit ahead of the high-stakes BRICS summit.
PM Modi, Putin Discuss Seafarer Safety, Trade and India-Russia Ties
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held detailed talks in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, focusing on the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea, efforts to end the Ukraine conflict and ways to strengthen India-Russia economic and strategic ties.
The meeting came shortly after Putin arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit to attend the high-stakes BRICS summit. The talks highlighted the importance both countries continue to attach to their long-standing relationship at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.
One of the key issues raised by Modi was the safety of Indian seafarers affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Five Indian seafarers have died in the Black Sea amid ongoing hostilities, prompting New Delhi to raise the issue with both Moscow and Kyiv.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Putin discussed regional and global developments, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea. The Indian Prime Minister reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the best way to resolve conflicts and said India was ready to support peace efforts.
After their meeting, Modi and Putin travelled together in the same car inside the Bharat Mandapam complex as they headed towards a business forum, a moment that reflected the warmth and personal rapport between the two leaders.
The two sides also agreed to further strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The Indian government said the relationship has continued to show significant growth and resilience despite changing geopolitical conditions.
Trade and investment were among the major priorities. India and Russia agreed to work towards increasing annual bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 , compared with around $65 billion currently .
Modi said discussions included implementing the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030 , along with cooperation in infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.
The two leaders also agreed to increase cooperation in several strategic areas, including defence, critical minerals, civil nuclear energy and fertiliser supplies. People-to-people exchanges were also discussed as an important part of the relationship.
India is particularly keen to improve market access for its exporters in Russia as it seeks to address the growing trade imbalance in Moscow’s favour. Expanding industrial cooperation and opening more opportunities for Indian businesses were therefore important elements of the discussions.
Defence cooperation also remained a major part of the talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia and India are exploring upgrades to BrahMos missiles. Moscow also remains committed to completing pending S-400 deliveries, while discussions are continuing around the possible supply of Su-57 fighter jets.
Energy cooperation received attention as well, with both sides agreeing to strengthen collaboration in civil nuclear energy. Discussions also covered railways, tunnelling, steel manufacturing and broader industrial cooperation.
Modi and Putin also visited the INNOPROM India industrial exhibition at Bharat Mandapam and interacted with participants. The exhibition, being held in India for the first time, was viewed as an opportunity to deepen industrial and commercial links.
Putin invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit , and the Prime Minister accepted the invitation. The dates will be finalised through diplomatic channels.
Adding a cultural touch to the diplomatic engagement, Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of Thirukkural , the celebrated Tamil work by philosopher-poet Thiruvalluvar. Modi said the translation carries Thiruvalluvar’s timeless wisdom across languages and borders.
The meeting showed that despite global tensions, India and Russia continue to pursue closer cooperation in trade, defence, energy and technology while maintaining dialogue on major international conflicts.
Meeting: PM Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi.
Major concern: Safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea.
Seafarer deaths: Five Indian seafarers have died amid Russia-Ukraine hostilities.
Ukraine conflict: Modi reiterated India’s support for dialogue, diplomacy and peace efforts.
Trade target: India and Russia aim to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 .
Current trade: Around $65 billion .
Key sectors: Defence, energy, technology, infrastructure, critical minerals and civil nuclear energy.
Defence cooperation: BrahMos upgrades, pending S-400 deliveries and possible Su-57 fighter jet discussions.
INNOPROM India: Modi and Putin visited the industrial exhibition at Bharat Mandapam.
Putin’s invitation: Modi accepted an invitation to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.
Cultural gesture: Modi gifted Putin a Russian translation of Thirukkural .