India-Russia Ties, PM Modi-Putin Bilateral Talks And Thirukkural Gift In Focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for a bilateral meeting alongside key delegates, including External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The bilateral discussions focus on advancing strategic ties, reaching a hundred billion dollars in bilateral trade, and addressing the trade deficit between India and Russia. Key agenda items for the leaders also include defence and energy cooperation, building on their long-standing strategic partnership.

A report outlines the strategic agenda of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India for bilateral discussions and forum talks. The engagement highlights deep diplomatic ties, growing energy trade, and defense cooperation, including discussions on fighter jet engine technology, S-400 systems, and indigenous defense production. The discussion also reflects on India's economic trajectory and self-reliance in science and technology.

Ahead of the high-stakes bilateral meeting between India and Russia at Bharat Mandapam, a panel of experts analysed key diplomatic, economic, and strategic dimensions. Former Ambassador to Germany Gurjit Singh highlighted the dynamics of energy dependency, remarking that 'it is only oil trade which makes the difference' while urging diplomatic engagement on Iranian oil disruptions. Sandeep Unnithan evaluated decades of bilateral defence collaboration, pointing to joint hardware acquisitions, nuclear-powered attack submarines, and the economic fallout of crude oil crossing $100 a barrel amid US pressure. Professor Deepanshu Mohan focused on the BRICS framework, the New Development Bank's role in local currency bond issuance, and the critical importance of digital commerce, MSMEs, and alternative supply chains to uphold India's strategic autonomy.

An exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi highlighted India's emerging prowess in defence and space technologies, spotlighting private sector innovations developed alongside the Indian Space Research Organisation. Among the featured innovations is OptoSAR, a 190-kilogram satellite designed by IIT Madras alumni that combines optical payloads and synthetic aperture radar. The satellite simultaneously captures images through clouds, smoke, and nighttime conditions, serving defence operations, flood monitoring, and forest fire management. Following the launch of Mission Drishti in May, developers aim to build a constellation of 30 satellites within three years to cater to global requirements. The initiative reflects growing government backing and grants aimed at expanding India's private space tech sector.