Putin's India Visit: Modi and Putin Seal Historic Nuclear Deal, Boost Bilateral Trade

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India has yielded significant results, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin announcing a historic nuclear deal. The agreement involves the construction of a second nuclear power plant in India, featuring Russian-designed reactors. India has committed to allocating a site for the project, marking a major milestone in India-Russia nuclear energy cooperation. Putin also proposed that India localize the production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets on its territory, a move that could strengthen India's defense capabilities. The Russian President expressed his satisfaction with India's 'Make in India' initiative, praising India's growing technological sovereignty under PM Modi's leadership. During the India-Russia Business Forum, Modi and Putin discussed potential joint ventures in electric vehicle manufacturing, and the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. Putin assured India of uninterrupted fuel supply, emphasizing Russia's reliability as a supplier of oil, gas, coal, and other energy resources. The visit comes amid growing pressure from the US and Europe to scale down India's energy purchases from Russia. Putin's visit is also significant as it marks his first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. In a joint press conference, Modi and Putin announced the finalization of an economic cooperation program until 2030, aiming to boost annual trade to $100 billion by 2030. They also emphasized the importance of strong energy ties and the potential for a free trade zone with the Eurasian Economic Union. Modi highlighted the significance of India-Russia cooperation in the fight against terrorism, stating that the two countries have long stood shoulder-to-shoulder in this effort. He also announced that India will soon start issuing free electronic visas for Russian tourists and groups visiting the country. Putin's visit to India is seen as a strategic move to strengthen bilateral ties and counter growing pressure from the US and Europe. The visit has yielded significant results, with both countries committing to strengthen their economic and energy ties.