Patrushev called India one of Russia's key allies in the international arena.

India is one of Russia's key partners in the international arena, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev said on September 25 at a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which took place in New Delhi as part of the Deputy Prime Minister's working visit.

Patrushev conveyed warm greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin and congratulated Modi on his recent birthday.

"We value our particularly privileged strategic partnership with India. Your country is one of Russia's key allies in the international arena. India's independent and responsible policy is an important component of ensuring global security and stability. Every year, Russian-Indian economic cooperation is gaining more and more impressive proportions. In 2024, the trade turnover between our countries reached a historic maximum," the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said.

The parties also discussed the work on concluding a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and India. In addition, the topic of creating a BRICS grain exchange was raised, which will help increase mutual supplies of agricultural products.

Dmitry Patrushev stressed that Russia would make every effort to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and continue a constructive dialogue on all issues of sectoral cooperation.

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On September 17, at a meeting with members of the Russian government, Putin noted that relations between Russia and India are of a trusting and friendly nature. The Russian leader stressed that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the country pursues an independent and sovereign policy.

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