New Delhi, Sept 12 (NVI) Ways to deepen economic and strategic cooperation and safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea in view of the Ukraine war were the main topics of discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.
During the talks, which lasted over 45 minutes, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, which has shown resilience despite geopolitical challenges, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
India and Russia agreed to work towards increasing annual bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030 from the current level of around USD 65 billion. The discussions focused on expanding trade and investment while improving market access for Indian exporters in Russia.
In a social media post, Modi said the two leaders discussed closer economic ties, including implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030. Their discussions also covered infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.
The Indian side is learnt to have sought greater access to the Russian market for Indian exporters as the bilateral trade balance remains heavily tilted in Moscow’s favour. Industrial cooperation, the rail and tunnelling sectors and development of the steel value chain also figured in the discussions.
The safety of Indian seafarers amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict was also raised during the meeting.
The MEA said Modi and Putin exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.
“The Prime Minister once again reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stood ready to assist in peace efforts,” the MEA said in a statement.
Five Indian seafarers have died in the Black Sea amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine hostilities, leading India to raise the incidents with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Addressing a business forum after his meeting with Putin, Modi said global trade can progress only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open and seafarers are protected. “That is why India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.”
The two leaders also reviewed cooperation in defence, critical minerals, civil nuclear energy, fertiliser supplies and people-to-people exchanges.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia and India are exploring upgrades to BrahMos missiles. He also said Moscow remains committed to completing pending deliveries of the S-400 systems and is discussing the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets.
In the energy sector, both sides reviewed the overall situation and agreed to expand cooperation in civil nuclear energy. The discussions also covered broader industrial cooperation and opportunities to strengthen supply chains.
The MEA said Modi and Putin reviewed bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people domains. Putin invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, which the prime minister accepted. The dates will be finalised through diplomatic channels based on mutual convenience, the MEA said.
The two leaders also discussed India-Russia cooperation in multilateral forums, particularly BRICS under India’s chairship in 2026.
They welcomed Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition, INNOPROM India, which is being held in New Delhi for the first time from September 9, and underlined its importance in expanding bilateral trade and industrial cooperation.
Modi and Putin later visited the exhibition at Bharat Mandapam and interacted with participants. Following their bilateral talks, the two leaders also travelled together in the same car within the Bharat Mandapam complex to attend the business forum. (NVI)
