What happened
On October 3, 2025, Russia and India marked the 25th anniversary of their Declaration of Strategic Partnership, first signed in 2000 by President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov highlighted the progress made in defence, energy, nuclear power, space, science, and education, noting that 2025 has already seen extensive bilateral engagement, including at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. He also pointed to upcoming cooperation in areas such as small modular reactors, shipbuilding, Arctic research, and labour mobility, alongside negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Why it matters to India
The anniversary reaffirms the enduring strength of India–Russia ties amid shifting global alignments. Expanding cooperation across strategic, economic, and technological fields strengthens India’s multipolar outreach and energy security while maintaining balance in its international partnerships. The proposed trade agreement and new joint ventures align with India’s long-term goals of diversification, innovation, and resilient connectivity in an evolving global order.