Putin visit set to boost Indian exports and jobs: Pharma, auto, agri products likely to top agenda

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on September 1, 2025. (Photo by Vladimir SMIRNOV / POOL / AFP)

India is preparing for a significant expansion in economic cooperation with Russia as President Vladimir Putin begins his visit to New Delhi, accompanied by a large delegation of business leaders. According to government sources, the meetings are expected to focus on trade diversification, market access, and new agreements across shipping, healthcare, fertilisers, and connectivity.

Senior officials say New Delhi is using the visit to address the current trade imbalance with Russia. India aims to boost its exports to Russian markets, particularly in sectors where demand has grown in recent years. Government sources noted that multiple channels are being explored to promote exports in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, agricultural goods and marine products. The idea, they said, is to ensure that Indian businesses gain wider access to Russian consumers while generating jobs and supporting farmers and manufacturers at home.

Officials also said that several memorandums of understanding are in the final stages and could be signed during the summit. These include agreements aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, medical partnerships, fertiliser supply chains and infrastructure links to improve the shipment of goods.

Beyond trade, New Delhi is also looking to deepen engagement in people to people relations. Government sources stated that enhanced mobility agreements, tourism promotion, education linkages and cultural exchanges will form part of the talks. Both sides are also expected to discuss greater scientific collaboration and joint research.

The summit is being seen by policymakers as an opportunity to stabilise long-term economic relations with Russia at a time of shifting global markets. Officials said the visit is likely to bring tangible benefits across different segments of Indian society, adding that it could support domestic industry growth and generate new avenues for employment.

With a packed agenda, the government believes the outcomes of President Putin’s visit will reinforce India’s strategic goal of building resilient partnerships that strengthen trade, technology and connectivity.