India and Russia strengthen strategic partnership across nuclear energy, defence, space, trade, and Arctic infrastructure, aiming for $100 billion trade by 2030 and deepened multifaceted cooperation.
India and Russia agreed to expand their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” by broadening cooperation in trade, defence, nuclear energy, and science and technology. During the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the establishment of a second Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) site in India. Russia reaffirmed its commitment to make the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant fully operational, with two of its six reactors already connected to the energy grid. Both leaders emphasised collaboration in fuel cycle management, life cycle support, and non-power nuclear applications.
Space Collaboration
The summit also highlighted strengthened cooperation between ISRO and Russia’s Roscosmos, focusing on human spaceflight, satellite navigation, planetary exploration, and rocket engine development. Both sides committed to advancing high-tech projects in nuclear and space sectors and elaborating a new agenda for the peaceful use of atomic energy in India.
Fertiliser Supply and Trade Corridors
To enhance agricultural and economic ties, India and Russia signed an MoU on the long-term supply of fertilisers, involving JSC UralChem, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers, National Fertilisers Limited, and Indian Potash Limited. Both countries also agreed to strengthen transport corridors, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route, with a focus on training specialists for polar shipping operations.
Defence Cooperation Intensifies
India and Russia agreed to boost military-technical collaboration under the Make-in-India initiative, encouraging joint production of spare parts, components, and defence equipment. Regular military contacts and joint exercises, such as INDRA, will continue, alongside delegation exchanges. Both sides also committed to further developing bilateral trade settlements using national currencies and digital payment platforms to maintain uninterrupted economic exchanges.
$100 Billion Trade by 2030
At the India-Russia Business Forum, President Putin highlighted the growing economic relationship, noting that bilateral trade had reached $64 billion, with a goal of $100 billion by 2030. He praised India’s economic growth under PM Modi, pointing out the rapid rise in GDP, technological autonomy, and strong performance in IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Putin stressed that Russian businesses were keen to expand purchases of Indian goods and services and called for prioritising projects supporting mutual trade.
Arctic Cooperation
Both nations reaffirmed commitment to Arctic cooperation, modernisation of the Northern Sea Route, and expanding connectivity for Indian goods to global markets. They also welcomed India’s active observer role in the Arctic Council, underlining the strategic importance of the Far East and Arctic regions for bilateral trade and investment.
The summit concluded with both leaders reaffirming their dedication to a multifaceted partnership spanning energy, defence, trade, technology, and Arctic infrastructure, consolidating India-Russia relations for decades ahead.
