India–Russia maritime ties deepen as PM Modi meets Nikolai Patrushev

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Aide to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, for a high-level meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain. The two leaders held “productive discussions,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office, underscoring new opportunities in several key areas

The Russian embassy in New Delhi said the two sides discussed various issues of Russian-Indian cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector. “Emphasised their mutual interest in deepening interaction between Russia and India to strengthen their maritime capabilities, the embassy said in post on social media app ‘Telegram’. Patrushev also discussed the key points for the Russia-India summit, scheduled for early December, the Russian embassy said.

Patrushev’s visit comes just weeks ahead of Putin’s expected visit to India to meet Modi for the annual leader’s summit. Putin and Modi are expected to discuss multiple issues of trade, crude oil supplies and military equipment deliveries. Putin had earlier instructed his government to examine proposals for expanding trade and economic ties with India, including addressing challenges related to logistics, payments, and the rising trade imbalance.

The meeting between PM Modi and Nikolai Patrushev underscores a clear push by India and Russia to deepen maritime cooperation — not just in traditional domains like shipbuilding and ports, but also in strategic, green, and future-facing areas such as the blue economy and Arctic operations. This could mark a significant step in their bilateral relationship, especially ahead of the upcoming India–Russia summit.