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,…
