Piyush Goyal, Russian Minister Hold ‘Productive’ Talks on Cooperation in Textiles, Automobiles and Agriculture
Meeting strengthens India–Russia economic cooperation as Putin’s Delhi visit boosts momentum
Russia, Dec 05 : Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a “productive” meeting with Russia’s Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, with both leaders discussing expanded cooperation across food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles and other critical sectors. The ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to unlocking the untapped trade potential and strengthening economic development in both nations.
“Held a productive meeting with Mr Maxim Reshetnikov… We discussed cooperation in areas like food & agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and more,” Goyal said in a post on X, adding that India and Russia remain committed to advancing their economic partnership.
Putin’s India visit sets strategic backdrop
The ministerial meeting comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Delhi’s Palam airport on Thursday evening. In a strong display of the countries’ close ties, the two leaders travelled together in the same car to the PM’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where Modi presented a Russian-language Bhagavad Gita to the visiting leader, calling it a source of inspiration for millions worldwide.
Putin is on his first visit to India in four years and will stay in New Delhi until December 5. He will also hold the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit with PM Modi, with defence, trade, energy, technology and cultural cooperation high on the agenda.
Experts: defence, technology and trade to dominate talks
Former diplomat Veena Sikri said defence cooperation will be a central focus, noting India–Russia joint systems like BrahMos and the S-400, both of which played key roles in Operation Sindoor. She also highlighted Russia’s willingness to offer deeper technology transfer, along with India’s need to boost exports to balance trade.
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev underscored the strategic timing of Putin’s visit amid a shifting global order. He said the meeting signals that both nations intend to “expand and deepen” relations despite Western pressure, calling the summit “very critical” to shaping future nuclear, oil, and defence cooperation.
Sachdev also suggested that India may consider acquiring additional S-400 units, exploring the S-500, and advancing upgrades to the BrahMos missile system as part of broader defence discussions. He noted that Putin arrived with seven senior ministers, highlighting the wide scope of planned engagement.
