Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev on Thursday during the World Food India 2025 event in New Delhi. Modi kicked off the major food and agriculture gathering at Bharat Mandapam, where leaders from around the world focused on boosting global food security and trade.
The two leaders chatted about ways to deepen India-Russia ties in key areas like agriculture, fertilizers, and food processing. Modi shared his thoughts on X, saying, “Happy to meet Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev at World Food India 2025. We discussed ways to strengthen our win-win cooperation in agriculture, fertilizers, and food processing.”
Modi also sent warm greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed excitement about hosting him in India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year. With Putin expected in December, the strong partnership between New Delhi and Moscow shows no signs of slowing down.
Earlier that morning, Modi inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Noida, highlighting Russia’s role as the partner country. He called the event a clear sign of the two nations “further strengthening a time-tested partnership.” Russia is also partnering with India for World Food India 2025, and Modi praised how their collaboration builds on decades of trust.
Patrushev, who oversees Russia’s agriculture and agro-products, visited India this week to push these joint efforts. The trade show drew huge crowds—over 2,400 exhibitors, 125,000 business-to-business visitors, and 450,000 shoppers—creating opportunities for trade, tech sharing, and long-term deals between India and Russia.
Meanwhile, the US has ramped up pressure on India to ease its close links with Russia, especially by cutting back on Russian crude oil imports. On Wednesday, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said during a New York press conference that America wants more energy teamwork with India in natural gas, coal, and nuclear power. But he added, “Of course, we wish India would work with us to buy—you can buy oil from every nation on Earth, just not Russian oil. That’s our position.”
Despite the US push, signs point to warmer India-US meetings ahead. Reports suggest President Donald Trump and Modi could connect soon, possibly at the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26-28. Trump might even head to India for the Quad Summit later this year or early 2026.
In his Noida speech, Modi spotlighted India’s push for self-reliance in defense. He noted Uttar Pradesh’s big role in building a domestic weapons industry, including a new defense corridor. Production of BrahMos missiles has already started there, and AK-203 rifles will soon roll out from a joint India-Russia factory. Modi stressed the value of India-Russia defense cooperation in making the country stronger.
Modi also touted recent government moves, like slashing some goods and services tax (GST) rates, which have saved people money on everyday items. He urged everyone to choose Indian-made “swadeshi” products and doubled down on “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliance. “There is no greater helplessness than depending on others,” Modi said. “In a changing world, the more a country relies on others, the more its growth suffers. India is no longer willing to be dependent on other countries.”
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