India-Russia Tackle Trade Barriers Ahead of Modi-Putin Delhi Summit

Fast Summary

• India and Russia aim to dismantle trade barriers,including regulatory,tariff,and legislative hurdles,to strengthen economic cooperation.
• Strategic efforts are underway ahead of a planned December 2025 meeting in New Delhi between PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Sberbank’s First Deputy Chairman Alexander Vedyakhin highlighted the importance of reducing trade restrictions for mutual benefit.
• The countries have set an ambitious target of achieving $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Focus areas include Indian exports to Russia and industrial cooperation.
• Recent agreements such as mutual recognition between the Federal Customs Service of Russia (FCSR) and India’s CBIC may boost trade momentum further.
• Vedyakhin hopes discussions on removing barriers will be prioritized during Modi-Putin talks amidst global tensions caused by protectionist measures like high tariffs imposed by the U.S.

Indian Opinion Analysis

India’s efforts to enhance economic ties with Russia signal strategic global positioning amid rising protectionism. By addressing regulatory and legislative inefficiencies, both nations have the potential to unlock robust growth opportunities that extend beyond mere trade flows into technology transfer and industrial collaboration. The ambitious $100 billion bilateral trade target aligns with India’s broader goals for international economic engagement while aiding diversification against reliance on Western partnerships.

The simultaneous challenges posed by U.S. tariffs-especially on oil deals-highlight why India must pursue diversified channels like this partnership with Russia. The December PM Modi-Putin meeting could serve as a pivotal platform not only for resolving barriers but also for recalibrating India’s participation in global geopolitical-economic frameworks.

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