1. Strengthening of the Strategic Partnership
India and Russia reaffirmed their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the 2000 Strategic Partnership Declaration.
Both countries signed 16 agreements and MoUs covering defence, healthcare, trade, economy, culture, and education, reflecting the depth and multidimensional nature of the bilateral relationship.
They adopted Programme 2030 to expand strategic economic cooperation and agreed to fast-track the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The two sides set an ambitious target of USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and committed to resolving pending investment issues.
Energy was reaffirmed as a central pillar of cooperation, alongside enhanced coordination on payment and financial settlement systems.
2. Connectivity and Transport Cooperation
India and Russia agreed to deepen cooperation on key connectivity corridors, particularly the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
Both sides emphasized the importance of improving logistics efficiency and reducing transit time between Asia and Europe.
They also agreed to train specialists for polar and Arctic navigation, while continuing collaboration between Indian Railways and Russian Railways to facilitate technology exchange and strengthen transport linkages.
3. Cooperation in the Russian Far East and the Arctic
The two countries agreed to expand trade, investment, and industrial cooperation in the Russian Far East and the Arctic region, guided by the 2024–2029 cooperation framework.
Priority sectors include energy, mining, agriculture, and maritime transport.
India and Russia highlighted growing collaboration on the Northern Sea Route and agreed to hold regular Arctic consultations.
India expressed readiness to play a more proactive role as an Observer in the Arctic Council, reflecting its rising Arctic engagement.
4. Civil Nuclear Energy and Space Cooperation
India and Russia agreed to deepen cooperation in civil nuclear energy, covering the entire nuclear fuel cycle, continued support for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, and collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies.
This cooperation aligns with India’s long-term goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
In space cooperation, both sides welcomed the strengthening of the ISRO–Roscosmos partnership, including collaboration in human spaceflight, satellite navigation, and planetary exploration for peaceful purposes.
5. Defence and Military Cooperation
Defence ties were reaffirmed with a renewed focus on joint research and development, co-development, and co-production of advanced defence systems.
Both sides welcomed the outcomes of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC).
They agreed to enhance Make-in-India manufacturing of spare parts and components for Russian-origin defence platforms, including potential exports to friendly third countries.
6. Multilateral and Global Cooperation
Russia reiterated its full support for India’s demand for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Moscow also assured strong backing for India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026.
Russia adopted the Framework Agreement to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), while India welcomed Russia’s interest in joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation on low-carbon technologies, climate finance, and the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
7. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
India and Russia strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks, including the Pahalgam attack (2025) and the Crocus City Hall attack (2024).
They reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, called for decisive action against all UN-listed terrorist groups, and stressed adherence to international law.
Both sides supported the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and emphasized strict implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Key Areas of Cooperation Between India and Russia
1. Economic Cooperation
Economic engagement forms a major pillar of India–Russia relations. Bilateral trade reached USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, largely driven by increased Indian imports of Russian energy, particularly crude oil.
Both countries have set ambitious targets of achieving USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and USD 50 billion in mutual investments by 2025.
India’s key exports to Russia include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, iron and steel, and marine products, while imports from Russia consist mainly of crude oil and petroleum products, sunflower oil, fertilizers, coking coal, and precious stones and metals.
2. Diplomatic and Political Cooperation
India and Russia maintain dense and institutionalized diplomatic engagement, ensuring regular high-level interaction and strategic coordination.
Key mechanisms include the Annual Summit, the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), the IRIGC on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC), and the 2+2 Dialogue involving foreign and defence ministers.
Both countries also work closely in multilateral forums such as the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), reinforcing their shared vision on global governance and multipolarity.
3. Defence and Military Cooperation
Defence cooperation remains the cornerstone of the India–Russia strategic partnership, guided by the 2021–2031 Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement.
The relationship has evolved from a traditional buyer–seller model to joint research, development, and production, exemplified by platforms such as BrahMos missiles, Su-30MKI aircraft, T-90 tanks, and AK-203 rifles.
Regular bilateral military exercises like INDRA and participation in exercises such as Zapad-2025 enhance interoperability.
India’s induction of major Russian-origin platforms, including submarines, frigates, and the S-400 air defence system, reflects sustained trust and strategic convergence.
4. Science, Technology, and Nuclear Cooperation
India and Russia enjoy strong cooperation in science and technology, particularly in space and nuclear energy.
Russian support for Gaganyaan astronaut training highlights the depth of space collaboration, while the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant stands as India’s largest civilian nuclear project with foreign assistance.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap (2021) aims to promote joint research, innovation ecosystems, and commercialization of technologies between the two countries.
5. Education and Cultural Cooperation
Education forms a vital people-to-people link, with nearly 20,000 Indian students currently studying in Russia, mainly in medical universities.
Cultural ties have gained momentum through large-scale events such as Bharat Utsav 2025 in Moscow and the Indian Film Festival held across multiple Russian cities, reflecting growing cultural awareness and enthusiasm for India among the Russian public.
Conclusion:
India–Russia cooperation spans economic, defence, diplomatic, scientific, educational, and cultural domains, making the partnership resilient, multi-dimensional, and strategically significant in an evolving global order.