Vladimir Putin arrived in India on a working visit on 6th of December, 2021. This is the first meeting of the leaders of two countries in the last two years.
Within the framework of the meeting between the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and the Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi in New Delhi, issues of strengthening Russian-Indian relations in such areas as energy, security, innovative technologies, economics, cultural and social sectors, interaction in the field of space research were discussed. Despite the negative consequences of the pandemic, the parties highly appreciated the dynamics of development of bilateral relations. The trade turnover between the countries has increased by 38% over the previous 9 months and almost reaches USD 9 billion dollars.
In addition, a statement about an expanding cooperation in the field of defense was made. The Governments of Russia and India signed an agreement on a program of military-technical cooperation from 2021 to 2030, which is aimed at interaction in the development and supply of weapons and military equipment, as well as holding joint military exercises.
In the field of digital technologies, the parties agreed to increase cooperation in the sector of security of strategically important infrastructure facilities, information security, development of joint platforms and services, as well as electronics production.
The joint statement emphasizes the necessity to optimize the system for processing imported goods and speed up customs procedures. The parties agreed on the necessity of signing a memorandum of understanding on the exchange and preliminary submission of customs data, as well as the recognition of authorized economic operators.
India intends to increase investments and expand trade links in the Far East. The dialogue will continue on the credit line in USD 1 billion for development projects in the Russian Far East in accordance with the program announced in 2019 by Narendra Modi.
The parties are going to strengthen cooperation in the gas sector, invest in the construction of gas infrastructure and the use of gas in the transport sector. Indian authorities have announced their interest in signing long-term contracts for the supply of oil from Russia at preferential rates and increasing imports of liquefied natural gas along the Northern Sea Route.
Within the framework of the visit of the Russian delegation to India, a 2 + 2 meeting was held. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu held talks with Indian colleagues.