India and Russia Forge Deeper Ties with 2030 Economic Roadmap and Free E-Visas

Historic Summit Bolsters India-Russia Partnership

New Delhi, India – India and Russia have solidified their strategic partnership with the signing of a far-reaching 2030 economic cooperation roadmap and the announcement of a free 30-day e-tourist visa for Russian nationals. The agreements were a highlight of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on Friday, December 5, 2025, in New Delhi, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the enduring nature of the relationship, stating that the 'India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star over past eight decades.' The discussions covered a wide array of cooperation areas, aiming to further strengthen the deep trust and mutual respect between the two nations.

Ambitious Economic Roadmap Targets $100 Billion Trade

The newly adopted Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030 sets an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion. This roadmap is designed to diversify and balance trade and investment between India and Russia. Key areas of cooperation outlined in the program include:

• Energy Sector: Expanded collaboration in oil, gas, petrochemicals, nuclear energy, including the potential for small modular reactors and floating nuclear power plants. Russia has assured India of 'uninterrupted shipments of fuel.'
• Trade and Investment: Ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union are being fast-tracked. Efforts will also focus on facilitating trade using national currencies and digital payment systems.
• Industrial and Technological Cooperation: Strengthening industrial ties, technology partnerships, and joint manufacturing initiatives, particularly under the 'Make in India' program.
• Other Sectors: Agreements were signed across diverse fields such as healthcare, labor mobility, shipping, fertilizers, food safety, taxation, critical minerals, Arctic collaboration, and scientific research.

India is also keen to address its trade deficit with Russia by boosting exports in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles.

Visa Liberalization to Boost Tourism and People-to-People Ties

In a significant move to enhance cultural and people-to-people connections, India announced the introduction of a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens. Prime Minister Modi expressed his happiness, stating, 'I am happy that very soon we are going to introduce a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.' This initiative aims to boost inbound tourism from Russia, with the Russian Economic Ministry anticipating a 1.5 to 2.5 times increase in mutual tourism. The e-visa facility will be processed within 30 days and will incur no processing fee.

Broader Strategic Alignment and Global Cooperation

Beyond economic and tourism initiatives, the summit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation. India and Russia pledged to work together in combating challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and transnational organized crime. India reiterated its stance on the Ukraine conflict, with Prime Minister Modi stating that India is 'not neutral' and 'on the side of peace.' Russia also reiterated its support for India's permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. Both leaders committed to strengthening their joint influence through platforms like BRICS, SCO, and G20.