Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev on the sidelines of the World Food India 2025 event, which Modi inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The discussion centered on boosting India-Russia cooperation in agriculture, fertilizers, and food processing.
Modi highlighted the positive interaction on his official X account, stating they “discussed ways to strengthen our win-win cooperation in agriculture, fertilizers, and food processing.” He also conveyed greetings to President Vladimir Putin and confirmed he looks forward to welcoming him to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year. Russia served as the partner country for the World Food India event, signaling a broader scope for their collaboration.
Focus on Trade, Defense, and Bilateral Strength
Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Noida, where Russia also participated as the partner country. Modi underscored that the show was further evidence of the “time-tested partnership” between the two nations, highlighting the growing depth of ties across trade, agriculture, and defense.
During the event, Modi detailed efforts to build a strong domestic defense production ecosystem, with Uttar Pradesh’s defense corridor playing a significant role. He announced that the production of AK-203 rifles would soon begin at a joint factory, and BrahMos missile production had already started in the state, emphasizing the partnership’s vital role in bolstering India’s defense manufacturing capacity.
The simultaneous participation of Russia in both the World Food India event and the Uttar Pradesh Trade Show was officially noted for its “strategic significance,” opening avenues for bilateral trade, technology exchange, and long-term cooperation.
External Challenges and Future Diplomatic Engagements
Despite these positive developments, India’s relationship with Moscow continues to face external pressure. The White House has recently urged New Delhi to scale back its ties with Russia, specifically calling for a halt to Indian purchases of Russian crude oil. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly reinforced this stance, stating, “You can buy oil from every nation on Earth, just not Russian oil. That’s our position.”
Nonetheless, New Delhi-Moscow relations remain upbeat, especially with President Putin expected to visit India in December for the annual bilateral summit.
Meanwhile, US officials have hinted at upcoming high-level interactions. Reports suggest a possible meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. Additionally, Trump is expected to travel to India either later this year or in early 2026 for the Quad Summit.
PM Modi Stresses Self-Reliance
In his address in Noida, PM Modi also touched on domestic policy, highlighting the benefits of economic reforms and GST rate reductions. He urged citizens to embrace swadeshi (domestic) products and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the vision of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
Modi stressed the dangers of over-dependence on foreign nations, declaring, “There is no greater helplessness than dependence on others… India is no longer willing to be dependent on other countries.”
What aspect of the India-Russia partnership—agriculture, defense, or the diplomatic dynamic with the US—do you find most interesting?
