Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin began their bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, with the two leaders set to discuss a broad roadmap for expanding economic and strategic cooperation.  

In a symbolic gesture during the meeting, PM Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the celebrated Tamil classic attributed to poet-saint Thiruvalluvar.

Beyond the cultural exchange, the talks are expected to focus heavily on strengthening trade and investment ties.

India and Russia are likely to discuss an ambitious goal of taking bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, while also looking at ways to widen industrial partnerships through INNOPROM in India.

The discussions are also expected to cover opportunities across infrastructure and manufacturing, including railway and tunnelling projects and cooperation along the steel value chain.

Improving opportunities for Indian businesses in Russia and facilitating greater access to the Russian market are also likely to feature.

Civil nuclear cooperation is another key area expected to be discussed, including issues spanning the nuclear fuel cycle and long-term support for existing and future projects.

The two countries may also explore arrangements to enable more skilled Indian workers to take up opportunities in Russia. Cooperation in critical minerals and deeper collaboration in the fertiliser sector, including through strategic joint ventures, are also expected to form part of the discussions.

The bilateral meeting comes as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing the India-Russia relationship into focus alongside wider discussions among BRICS nations.