PM Modi and Vladimir Putin meet in New Delhi to strengthen India-Russia ties, with $100 billion trade, nuclear energy, railways and critical minerals on agenda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday, with the two leaders expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation and taking India-Russia trade to $100 billion by 2030.
The meeting comes amid efforts by both countries to broaden their economic partnership beyond traditional areas such as defence and energy. Industrial cooperation, infrastructure, nuclear energy, skilled manpower, critical minerals and fertiliser supplies are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Modi Welcomes Putin With a Warm Embrace
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Vladimir Putin at Bharat Mandapam before the bilateral discussions began. The two leaders exchanged a handshake and shared a warm embrace, underlining the longstanding nature of India-Russia relations.
As a cultural gesture, Modi also presented Putin with a Russian-language edition of the Tamil classic Thirukkural, authored by the renowned Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
The ancient collection of couplets explores themes including ethics, governance, social life and human values. The presentation highlighted the cultural dimension of the India-Russia relationship alongside the economic and strategic discussions.
India-Russia Trade Target of $100 Billion
A major focus of the Modi-Putin meeting is expected to be the ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
India is seeking greater Russian investment while simultaneously working to expand exports of Indian products to the Russian market. Pharmaceuticals, automobile components and food products are among the sectors where New Delhi sees scope for stronger market access.
The discussions are also expected to explore ways to reduce trade barriers and create additional opportunities for businesses in both countries.
INNOPROM India 2026 Sets the Stage
The bilateral talks follow the first INNOPROM India 2026 industrial exhibition, being held in New Delhi from September 9 to 11.
The industrial event has provided a platform for Indian and Russian companies to explore new business partnerships and investment opportunities. Cooperation in manufacturing, industrial equipment, mining and other sectors is expected to contribute to the broader economic relationship.
The two countries are also looking at expanding collaboration in areas that can increase industrial production and strengthen supply chains.
Railways, Tunnelling and Infrastructure Cooperation
Infrastructure development is another important area expected to feature in the discussions.
India and Russia may explore expanded cooperation in railway infrastructure, including areas connected with the Vande Bharat project and railway signalling systems. The two sides are also examining opportunities for collaboration in tunnel construction and related infrastructure projects.
Industrial discussions have additionally covered sectors such as mining, aluminium, critical minerals and industrial equipment.
Steel is emerging as another potential area for deeper cooperation. Opportunities include raw materials, metallurgical technologies, speciality steel, research and development and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Nuclear Energy Cooperation on the Agenda
Civil nuclear cooperation is likely to remain an important pillar of the India-Russia partnership.
The two countries are examining ways to deepen cooperation across the nuclear fuel cycle while increasing industrial participation and localisation in nuclear projects.
The discussions could also cover long-term support for nuclear facilities and greater involvement of Indian industries in the broader nuclear ecosystem.
Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Gain Importance
Critical minerals and rare earth elements are becoming increasingly important in India’s economic and strategic planning.
India is seeking reliable sources of minerals required for high-technology, manufacturing and strategic industries. Russia could play a larger role in supplying minerals that have limited domestic availability.
Officials from both countries have already explored cooperation involving rare earth elements, lithium, titanium and other critical minerals.
Such collaboration could help both sides develop more resilient industrial supply chains.
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More Skilled Indian Workers Could Move to Russia
The movement of skilled professionals is another issue expected to be discussed by Modi and Putin.
As economic cooperation expands into manufacturing, infrastructure and other industries, both countries are examining ways to increase the participation of skilled Indian workers in Russia.
Greater labour mobility could support business expansion while strengthening people-to-people and commercial ties between the two countries.
Fertiliser Supplies and Joint Ventures
Fertiliser cooperation is also expected to receive significant attention during the talks.
Russia remains an important supplier of mineral fertilisers to India. Russian officials have said that the country supplied around 6 million tonnes of mineral fertilisers to India last year, while shipments during the first half of 2026 reportedly rose by about 20% compared with the same period a year earlier.
The two countries are also exploring strategic joint ventures and possible manufacturing projects in India. Such initiatives could help secure long-term fertiliser supplies and deepen industrial cooperation.
India-Russia Partnership Expands Beyond Traditional Sectors
The Modi-Putin meeting reflects India’s broader effort to expand economic engagement with Russia beyond established areas such as defence and energy.
New areas including critical minerals, industrial manufacturing, railway infrastructure, nuclear energy, fertilisers and skilled manpower are increasingly becoming part of the bilateral economic agenda.
Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has also stressed the need to accelerate progress towards the $100 billion trade objective while identifying greater opportunities for Indian businesses in Russia.
The latest discussions are therefore expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Russia economic relations and help establish new avenues for investment, trade and industrial partnerships over the coming years.
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