Moscow, July 10: – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Russia yesterday, marking the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. The visit has resulted in significant developments in bilateral relations between the two nations.

Key Highlights:

1. Prestigious Honor: Russian President Vladimir Putin conferred Russia’s highest civilian award, the “Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle,” on PM Modi.
2. Ambitious Trade Goals: Leaders set a new bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030, significantly higher than the previous USD 30 billion target for 2025.
3. Economic Cooperation: Both countries agreed to promote bilateral settlement systems using national currencies and explore a potential Free Trade Agreement.
4. Energy Partnership: New long-term contracts and increased coal supply to India were discussed.
5. Strategic Sectors: Cooperation in the Russian Far East, Arctic regions, civil nuclear energy, and space was emphasized.
6. Defense Collaboration: Focus on joint research, development, and production in military and technical cooperation.
7. Global Issues: Leaders addressed situations in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Middle East, while condemning terrorism and calling for UN reforms.
8. Multilateral Forums: Commitment to cooperation in G20, BRICS, and SCO was reaffirmed.
9. Climate Action: Both nations stressed the importance of combating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals.

The summit underscores the enduring “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia. President Putin has been invited to India in 2025 for the 23rd Annual Summit, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

This summit marks a significant step in Indo-Russian relations, with far-reaching implications for bilateral ties and global geopolitics. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this developing story.

Nytimes mentions Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India made his first visit to Russia in five years, even as Ukraine reeled from an attack on a children’s hospital.