PM Modi & President Putin Share A Bond Spanning Nearly 25 Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin share a diplomatic relationship that has grown steadily over nearly 25 years.

Their connection dates back to 2001, when PM Modi, then serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, travelled to Moscow as part of the delegation accompanying Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Photographs from the visit capture PM Modi’s early engagement in foreign policy and his first interactions with Russian leadership.

During the 2001 visit, India and Russia strengthened their strategic partnership under the leadership of PM Vajpayee and President Putin.

PM Modi’s presence in the delegation marked one of his earliest international engagements.

The trip helped lay the foundation for his understanding of India–Russia relations, which would later become central to his role as Prime Minister.

The photographs from Moscow highlight a moment in history when PM Modi, still relatively new to national-level diplomacy, observed and participated in India’s global outreach.

The visit also underscored Vajpayee’s efforts to deepen cooperation with Russia across security, defence, and energy sectors—areas that continue to define the bilateral partnership today.

A Partnership Strengthened Over Time

Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi has maintained a close working relationship with President Putin.

The leaders have met frequently at bilateral summits, BRICS forums, and international events.

Their interactions have focused on strategic defence cooperation, nuclear energy collaboration, trade diversification, and technological partnerships.

The long-standing rapport between the two leaders has ensured continuity in India–Russia ties despite shifting global dynamics.

Both nations have consistently described their relationship as one built on mutual respect, trust, and shared strategic interests.

The historical photos from 2001 serve as a reminder of how far the relationship has evolved.

For PM Modi, the early diplomatic exposure provided valuable insights into Russia’s role as a key partner in India’s foreign policy.

Over the years, the partnership has expanded to include cooperation in space technology, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, and military modernisation.

President Putin has repeatedly acknowledged India as one of Russia’s most valued partners.

Similarly, PM Modi has emphasised the significance of Russia in India’s long-term strategic framework.

As global geopolitics continues to shift, the India–Russia relationship remains anchored in decades of trust and collaboration.

The shared history, symbolised by PM Modi’s early visit to Moscow in 2001, reinforces the depth of the partnership.

With both leaders continuing to engage closely, the next chapter of this 25-year bond is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors.

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