India–Russia Summit 2025: Strategic Partnership Enters a New Phase of Economic and Defence Expansion

Following the highly symbolic welcome extended to President Vladimir Putin by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attention now turns to the substantive outcomes expected from the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. The dialogue at Hyderabad House is set to focus heavily on economic realignment, as both nations work to deepen their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” while insulating bilateral trade from geopolitical disruptions and external sanctions.

A key priority for New Delhi is addressing the widening trade imbalance caused largely by increased crude oil imports from Russia. The summit is expected to outline a roadmap for significantly boosting Indian exports, marking the start of a more balanced and resilient trade framework.

At the heart of the discussions is a long-term programme for developing strategic areas of India–Russia economic cooperation through 2030. The two leaders are poised to set an ambitious target of achieving $100 billion in bilateral trade by the end of the decade. The plan emphasises expanding market access for Indian companies in Russia—especially in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agriculture, marine products, and other high-growth sectors. The presence of a large Russian business delegation underscores Moscow’s resolve to diversify import sources amid its shifting ties with Europe.

Multiple intergovernmental agreements and commercial deals are expected across shipping, fertilisers, healthcare, and connectivity. Talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are also likely to gain momentum, potentially reshaping trade corridors across Eurasia.

Defence cooperation—long the cornerstone of India–Russia relations—will see major advancements. High on the agenda is India’s proposal to acquire five additional S-400 Triumf air-defence squadrons, following the system’s recent operational success during Operation Sindoor. The summit may also push forward collaboration on advanced BrahMos missile variants and finalise a $2 billion agreement for the lease of another nuclear-powered attack submarine, significantly enhancing India's naval capabilities and training programmes. Russia’s ratification of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (Relos) agreement strengthens this cooperation further by standardising operational logistical support for both militaries.

Beyond the tangible outcomes, the summit carries substantial diplomatic significance. For Russia, the visit showcases that efforts by Western nations to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine conflict have not succeeded. For India, it reinforces its commitment to strategic autonomy and signals to global powers—including the United States—that New Delhi will continue to pursue partnerships essential to its national security and economic objectives, regardless of external pressure or tariff-related tensions.

The joint statement to be issued at the conclusion of the summit will be closely observed for insights into how the two nations position themselves on pressing global issues—underscoring a partnership intent on navigating the evolving international landscape on its own terms.