1. Context

• 23rd Annual Summit held in New Delhi to reinforce a time-tested partnership amid the Ukraine war and global geopolitical pressure.

2. Strategic Stability

• PM calls the relationship “steady like the pole star,” signalling reliability, continuity, and strategic autonomy.

3. Labour Mobility

• Agreements to send Indian semi-skilled/skilled workers to Russia (demand ~5 lakh).
• Framework to ensure welfare and prevent irregular migration.

4. People-to-People

• 30-day e-tourist visa + group tourist visa for Russians.
• Strengthens tourism and social linkages.

5. Arctic Cooperation

• Pact to enhance consultations on Arctic issues—research, shipping routes, scientific exploration.

6. Nuclear Energy

• Russia delivers advanced fuel for Kudankulam Unit-3; reaffirmed cooperation on nuclear safety and reactor supply chain.

7. Energy Security

• India reiterates continuation of Russian crude imports and long-term energy ties despite Western pressures.

Additional Outcomes 

8. National Currency Trade

• Push for rupee–ruble settlement to bypass sanctions hurdles and reduce dollar dependence.
• Trade target reaffirmed: $100 billion by 2030.

9. Trade Balance

• India raises concern over widening deficit; both sides agree to remove logistics and market barriers.

10. Media & Academic

• MoUs in media, cultural exchange, academic collaboration.
• Launch of India edition of Russia Today (RT) magazine.

11. Defence Cooperation

• Continuity in long-term defence partnership — maintenance, spare parts, ongoing joint platforms.

12. Overall Outcome

• Partnership diversifies into labour mobility, energy, nuclear, Arctic, cultural, and financial sectors — strengthening a multidimensional relationship.

Why India–Russia Ties Matter 

• Historical trust + steady partnership (“Pole Star” analogy).
• Russia supports India in defence, nuclear, and energy sectors.
• Labour mobility → new cooperation dimension.
• Rupee–ruble trade → strategic autonomy.
• Arctic cooperation → future geo-economic relevance.
• Helps India maintain space between US and Russia rivalries.

Challenges

• Payment issues due to sanctions
• Over-dependence on Russian defence systems
• Balancing US partnership with Russia ties
• Ukraine war complicates diplomacy

TDF

“In light of the recent India–Russia summit, critically examine how the bilateral partnership is expanding beyond a traditional defence focus into broader strategic, economic, and people-centric domains.”