India-Russia Cooperation Gains Momentum as Putin Calls for Finalisation of Long-Term Economic Plan by 2030
In a significant affirmation of Indo-Russian strategic ties, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the finalisation of a long-term action plan for cooperation with India until 2030, underscoring Moscow’s deepening engagement with key global partners amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, Putin stated:
“We have already set a goal to boost oil and gas exports. To achieve this, we will develop relations with partners, remove trade barriers, explore new market niches, build infrastructure, and deepen investment cooperation… Action plans with countries like India should be completed shortly.”
India-Russia Relations Enter a New Era of Strategic Collaboration
India’s presence at SPIEF 2025 was led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, holding portfolios of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT. Representing India on a global stage, Vaishnaw delivered keynote addresses in pivotal sessions including “The Future of Artificial Intelligence” and the India-Russia Business Forum.
He emphasized India’s:
- Commitment to ethical, inclusive AI development
- Expanding digital and technological footprint
- Vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) aligned with global innovation
Vaishnaw’s bilateral meetings with Russian federal ministers, technology leaders, and investors focused on collaboration in:
- Logistics and Transportation
- Railway Modernisation
- Infrastructure Development
- Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
A press statement by the Embassy of India in Moscow described his visit as “a significant step in reinforcing the longstanding India-Russia relationship, paving the way for mutual growth and innovation.”
BRICS Expansion and Global South Collaboration Take Centerstage
This year’s SPIEF, hosted under the patronage of the Russian presidency and coordinated by the Roscongress Foundation, welcomed delegates from over 140 countries, including top-level political leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy institutions.
One of the most talked-about topics was the evolving role of BRICS following its 2024 expansion. The group introduced a new flexible partner format, allowing nations such as Belarus, Nigeria, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Thailand to engage without full membership. This reflects Russia’s broader strategy to:
- De-dollarise international trade
- Promote technological sovereignty
- Advance a multipolar global order, independent of Western-dominated systems
Indian Businesses Eye Opportunities in New Russian Regions
Also present at the forum was Sammy Kotwani, Indian entrepreneur and founder of Imperial Tailoring Company, who spoke about India’s growing economic footprint in Russia. In an interview with Sputnik, Kotwani stated:
“Business is about profits. Indian companies should look for opportunities wherever they can make money be it in Donbass or Kaliningrad.”
His remarks reflect an emerging appetite among Indian businesses to explore untapped Russian regions, particularly in light of new trade and investment frameworks under BRICS+ and the Russia-India bilateral roadmap.
Key Takeaways from SPIEF 2025
- Putin urges swift finalisation of Indo-Russian long-term cooperation plan until 2030
- India-Russia ties deepen in tech, infrastructure, and transportation
- BRICS evolves with new partner country format
- India showcases AI leadership and digital vision
- Business voices call for new investments in regions like Donbass
- Forum draws tens of thousands of delegates from 140+ countries
The Road Ahead: India-Russia Strategic Vision 2030
With increasing convergence in trade, technology, and geopolitical interests, the India-Russia relationship is being redefined for the 21st century. As both nations look to finalise their 2030 cooperation roadmap, SPIEF 2025 has reinforced the strong economic, political, and cultural bridges that continue to shape this time-tested partnership.