Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Russia, highlighting the ongoing strategic engagement between India and Russia.
Key Highlights
- Eastern Maritime Corridor: A proposed sea route between Chennai, India, and Vladivostok, Russia, passing through strategic
maritime locations. - Ganga-Volga Dialogue: A cultural and strategic initiative to enhance bilateral ties.
- New Consulates: India will establish consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg to strengthen diplomatic presence.
India-Russia Relations
Political Relations
- Historical Ties: The Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1971) marked a significant moment in India-Soviet Union relations.
- Post-Soviet Relations: A new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed in 1993, and in 2000, the partnership evolved into
a Strategic Partnership. In 2010, it was elevated to a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
Defense and Security Cooperation
- Flagship Projects: Collaboration on the BrahMos Missile System, licensed production of SU-30 aircraft, and T-90 tanks.
- Recent Agreements: Supply of S-400 air defense systems, construction of frigates, and joint venture for manufacturing Ka-226T
helicopters. - Military Exercises: Annual exchanges and training exercises, known as INDRA, between armed forces.
Trade and Economic Relations
- Bilateral Trade: Target of increasing bilateral investment to USD 50 billion and trade to USD 30 billion by 2025. Bilateral trade
reached an all-time high of USD 65.70 billion in FY 2023-24. - Energy Imports: Since the Ukraine war, India has imported large amounts of discounted Russian oil.
Intergovernmental Commissions
- Regular Interactions: High-level interactions between the two nations.
- IRIGC: The India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission conducts governmental affairs.
- IRIGC-TEC: Focuses on trade, economic, scientific, technological, and cultural cooperation.
- IRIGC-MTC: Deals with military-technical cooperation.
Nuclear Energy
- Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant: A key project built with Russian cooperation.
Way Ahead
- Reinvigorating Defense Cooperation: Updating the basis for existing defense ties.
- Economic Opportunities: Indian businesses exploring the Siberian and Far East regions of Russia.
- Geo-economic Connectivity: Strengthening projects to enhance connectivity.
- Technological Cooperation: Enhancing collaborations in technology.