Executive Summary
This report provides an assessment and analysis of the 25th Anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the period of changing geopolitical environment in world politics.
Both India and Russia have been close strategic partners for several decades. In history, there are two milestone agreements between them: the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation in August 1971, and the India-Russia Strategic Partnership in 2000, which was elevated in 2010.
In the 21st century, both India and Russia are the most significant partners to emphasise in science and technology, economic ties, defence cooperation, security, nuclear energy, defence, geopolitical, connectivity, natural resources, space and so on.
President of Russia Putin visited New Delhi on December 4-5, 2025. During his visit, Putin met with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and discussed many relevant issues such as trade, energy, connectivity, and global issues. In this context, this report investigates how India can promote its national interests in a changing geopolitical environment, shifting from defence and military imports to exports through the Make in India program. In addition, this investigation will address the outcomes of the recent Putin’s visit to New Delhi.
Key Takeaways
- India and Russia share a longstanding partnership, particularly in defence and military ties during cold war and post-Cold War period.
- Russia remains one of India’s largest arms suppliers with joint projects like the BrahMos missile, S-400 defence system as well as nuclear submarine collaboration.
- The 13th Indo-Russian Naval Exercise held in July 2024 in the Gulf of Finland, known as INDRA military exercise. Regular INDRA military exercises and technology transfers reflect strong defence ties.
Background and Context
India and Russia share a long history of Silk Route connections, trade, and cultural exchanges that span both the pre-independence and post-independence periods. Therefore, the relationship between the two countries represents a remarkable achievements and holds significant importance in global diplomacy as well as strategic partnership.
While India and Russia share one of the most enduring strategic partnerships in modern international relations, rooted in mutual trust, geopolitical convergence, and historical goodwill. Their relationship began strengthening during the Cold War, especially after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, when the Soviet Union emerged as a reliable political and military supporter of India. The 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation marked a turning point, providing India diplomatic backing during the Bangladesh Liberation War and setting the foundation for long-term cooperation.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, India quickly adapted to the new geopolitical reality and continued building ties with the Russian Federation. Their cooperation expanded beyond defence to include energy, nuclear technology, space, science, education, and cultural exchanges. Moscow became New Delhi’s largest defence supplier, collaborating on projects like the BrahMos missile and licensed production of fighter jets and tanks.
In 2000, the relationship was elevated to a “Strategic Partnership,” later upgraded to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010, reflecting their deepening collaboration. Despite changing global alignments, including India’s growing ties with the US and Russia’s closer relationship with China, both countries continue to value a balanced, multipolar world order and maintain close diplomatic, defence, and economic engagement.
Geopolitical Scenario
India and Russia share a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, reflecting deep mutual trust, historical friendship, and long-term cooperation. Rooted in decades of political, defence, economic, and cultural ties, the partnership has developed into a comprehensive framework covering energy, nuclear technology, space, security, and regional stability.
Defence cooperation remains the cornerstone, supported by joint production, technology transfer, and regular high-level dialogues. Both countries coordinate closely on global issues, including multilateral platforms like the UN, SCO, BRICS, and G20. Despite geopolitical shifts, India and Russia continue to prioritise this partnership, recognising its enduring strategic value and mutual benefits.
Two key agreements between India and Russia include the Long-Term Military-Technical Cooperation Pact, which has been extended until 2031, and the S-400 missile system deal, a major defence agreement for the supply of advanced surface-to-air missile systems.
India and Russia have outlined a comprehensive agenda to strengthen their long-term economic, strategic, and cultural cooperation. Both nations are committed to advancing the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India–Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030, which provides a structured framework for expanding bilateral trade and investment. They are also intensifying joint efforts toward concluding a Free Trade Agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, focusing on sectors of mutual interest.
Both countries focus on the importance of an open, inclusive, transparent, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. In this context, they emphasise the need to address tariff and non-tariff barriers, improve logistics, enhance connectivity, ensure smooth payment mechanisms, resolve issues related to insurance and reinsurance, and facilitate regular business-to-business interactions to achieve the revised bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.
India’s participation in major global economic platforms such as the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2025 and the Eastern Economic Forum in September 2025 reflects the growing intensity of bilateral engagement.
New Delhi and Moscow also emphases to expanding logistics links and improving infrastructure to support key connectivity projects, including the International North–South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern, Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route. Cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy continues, with Russia providing life-cycle support for the operation of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
The “Roadmap for Science, Technology & Innovation Cooperation” further deepens collaboration in emerging technologies. Cultural exchanges are also gaining momentum, particularly through joint film production and participation in film festivals in both countries. Russia has additionally welcomed India’s initiative to establish the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, with its inaugural session scheduled for 2026.
Indicators to Monitor
- This reflects the development of India’s global leadership and its support for a multilateral world order.
- The developing of a new phase of relations and cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi, which focus on global south, connectivity, new dynamics, policy oriented as well as mutually, respectively.
- India’s foreign policy toward Russia primarily based on energy and resource collaboration, along with initiatives to improve connectivity and manage developing geopolitical conditions.
Conclusion
The 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia marks a significant milestone in a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and long-term strategic convergence.
The anniversary underlines not only the historical depth of the relationship but also its future-oriented character. As India aspires to greater global leadership and Russia seeks stable partnerships in Asia, their collaboration continues to contribute to regional security, connectivity, and a balanced multipolar world order.
Looking ahead, India and Russia reaffirm their commitment to expanding economic ties, strengthening technological cooperation, and ensuring that their strategic partnership remains resilient, relevant, and mutually beneficial.
Disclaimer. SpecialEurasia does not endorse, validate, or necessarily share the opinions, assessments, or conclusions presented by the author, which are offered strictly in an independent capacity. Responsibility for all interpretations, analytical judgments, and expressed viewpoints lies exclusively with the author.
