Putin, Modi call for stepping up free trade area, investment agreement talks

NEW DELHI. Dec 5 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have asked government bodies to step up efforts to negotiate an agreement on the promotion and protection of investments, the two leaders said in a statement summing up the Russian president's visit to New Delhi.

The Russian and India governments had previously signed an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments but it was terminated in 2017.

"The leaders also welcomed the intensification of joint efforts to conclude a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Republic of India, covering sectors of mutual interest," according to the statement, published on the Kremlin website.

The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council decided on December 26, 2016, to begin negotiations with India on a free trade agreement. In August 2025, the Eurasian Economic Commission and India officials approved terms of reference for talks on an agreement. Last week, the first round of negotiations took place, at which the parties agreed to work in fast track mode, with the next round scheduled for February 2026.