Putin’s India Visit Marks 23rd Annual Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 4 for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• The visit marked the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit and also commemorated 25 years of the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership, established during Putin’s first state visit to India.

Broad Spectrum of Agreements Signed

India and Russia signed a series of agreements covering migration, health, maritime cooperation, education, customs, and cultural ties to strengthen their long-standing partnership.

1. Migration and Mobility

• Agreement on Temporary Labour Activity of citizens of one country in the territory of the other.
• Agreement on Cooperation to Combat Irregular Migration, aimed at streamlining legal movement and curbing unlawful mobility across borders.

2. Health and Food Safety

• Agreement on Cooperation in Healthcare, Medical Education, and Science between the two countries, focusing on joint research, training, and public health frameworks.

3. Maritime & Polar Waters Cooperation

• MoU on the Training of Specialists for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, enhancing India’s expertise in Arctic and extreme-environment navigation.
• Customs Cooperation Protocol signed between India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Russia’s Federal Customs Service for exchanging pre-arrival information on goods and vehicles moved between both nations.

4. Key Announcements

• Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India–Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030 unveiled to guide long-term partnership.
• Russia announced its decision to adopt the Framework Agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
• Cultural Collaboration: Agreement for the exhibition “India. Fabric of Time” between the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy (New Delhi) and Tsaritsyno State Museum–Reserve (Moscow).
• Visa Facilitation for Russians:
  • Grant of 30-day e-Tourist Visa on a gratis (free) basis to Russian nationals on a reciprocal arrangement.
  • Grant of Group Tourist Visas also on a gratis basis.

Source: AIR