Fri Dec 05 11:04:17 UTC 2025: Headline: India and Russia Unite Against Terrorism, Reaffirm Strong Economic Ties
New Delhi: India and Russia have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the two nations “stand shoulder-to-shoulder and walk together” against the global threat. The statement was made during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on his first state visit to India in four years.
Modi condemned recent terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam attack in India and the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow, highlighting the shared threat faced by both countries. He emphasized India’s belief that any terrorist attack is an assault on humanity and that global unity is crucial to combating it.
President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly after the Jaish-e-Mohammed was linked to the Pahalgam attack. He also acknowledged India’s role as a “champion of peace” in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, sharing details of a peace plan discussed with PM Modi.
Beyond security cooperation, the leaders announced advancements in trade and economic relations, including an MoU for the shipping sector and plans to increase annual bilateral trade to $100 billion. Putin also emphasized Russia’s commitment to uninterrupted fuel shipments to India, despite pressure from the US. Both countries are exploring the use of national currencies for bilateral payments, signaling a potential shift away from the US dollar.
PM Modi highlighted the long-standing cooperation between India and Russia in the energy sector, particularly in civil nuclear energy, and expressed a commitment to expanding this partnership to include critical minerals.
The visit underscores the enduring strength of the India-Russia relationship, built on mutual respect and trust, even as India navigates complex geopolitical pressures.