Overview

• At the Valdai forum, Putin described Russia–India ties as having a special, trust-based character dating to the Soviet era.
• He said the Russian government will table practical proposals to raise bilateral trade, noting current turnover of about $63 billion falls short of potential.
• Logistics and payment mechanisms were flagged as the key hurdles to expanding commerce, with work planned to unblock both.
• Putin endorsed creating an India–Russia technological fund focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, stressing engagement with India’s private-sector companies.
• He said he expects to visit India in early December, highlighted close coordination between the countries’ foreign ministries, and noted ongoing joint production of advanced weapons.