23rd India-Russia Annual Summit
- 16 MoUs signed covering energy, trade, media, academics, and labour mobility.
- Energy cooperation described as a “strong and vital pillar” of the partnership.
Labour Mobility:
- Focus on enhancing mobility of Indian semi-skilled and skilled workers to Russia (approx. 5,00,000 demand).
- Agreements on combating irregular migration and formal frameworks for safe employment in Russia.
Defence
- Both sides agreed to work together to train Indian sailors to navigate ships in the Arctic.
- Russia agrees to manufacture components of Russian weapons and defence equipment for Indian military use in India.
- Purchase of additional S-400 missiles.
- Agreement on manufacturing 54 fifth-generation fighter aircraft Sukhoi SU in India.
Energy & Nuclear:
- Nuclear collaboration includes fuel cycle support, Kudankulam plant operations, construction of remaining units, and VVER reactors’ research & development.
- 2,000 MW of electricity is being generated in 2 nuclear reactors at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu.
- In addition to these, 4 more nuclear reactors are being built with Russian assistance.
- An agreement has been signed in 2024 to supply nuclear fuel to the 3rd and 4th nuclear reactors of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
- Russia is committed to ensuring uninterrupted supply of crude oil and coal to India.
Economic Cooperation
- India and Russia agreed to enhance bilateral trade settlements in national currencies to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.
- Focus on interoperability of payment systems, digital currencies, and financial messaging systems.
- Both countries finalized an economic cooperation program until 2030 (5-year economic plan), aiming to boost annual trade to $100 billion.
- Current bilateral trade stands at $68.7 billion.
Logistics Cooperation
- Chennai-Vladivostok Sea Route Project: This project is to be implemented as part of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS).
- International North-South Transport Corridor: Strengthening cooperation on this 7200 km long route (India, Russia, Iran, Central Asia, Europe).
- Expanded Arctic cooperation including the Northern Sea route.
30-Day e-Tourist Visa
- A scheme to provide free 30-day electronic tourist entry permit (e-Tourist Visa) to Russian citizens visiting for tourism will be introduced soon.
India-Russia Bilateral Relations Evolution
- 1971: USSR supported India during the Bangladesh Liberation War, using its UNSC veto three times in India’s favour.
- 2000: Strategic Partnership formalised, leading to annual summits.
- 2010: Upgraded to Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership, signalling deeper trust.
- 2019 onwards: Renewed engagement through initiatives like the Eastern Economic Forum and India’s “Act Far East Policy.”
- Post-2022: Russia became India’s largest crude oil supplier via discounted oil arrangements amid sanctions.
