SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) | Ministry of Defence (MoD)
The relationship between India and Russia is characterized as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” a status elevated in December 2010 from the original “Strategic Partnership” signed in October 2000. This relationship is a key pillar of India’s foreign policy and is based on cooperation across multiple sectors.
Key Pillars of Cooperation:
Political and Institutional Engagement:
The highest institutional mechanism is the Annual Summit between the Prime Minister and the President, with the 23rd summit scheduled for December 4-5, 2025, in India.
A “2+2 Dialogue” (simultaneous meetings of Foreign and Defence Ministers) was added in December 2021.
The India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) operates through two divisions: IRIGC-TEC (Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation) and IRIGC-M&MTC (Military & Military-Technical Cooperation).
Economic and Trade Goals:
The leaders have set ambitious targets of increasing bilateral investment to US$50 billion (by 2025) and bilateral trade to US$100 billion (by 2030).
Bilateral trade reached a record high of US$68.7 billion in FY 2024-25.
Focus areas include developing a bilateral settlement system using national currencies and promoting the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Strategic Sectors:
Defence: Cooperation has evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development, and production of advanced defense technologies and systems. Russia remains a crucial source for defense equipment.
Energy and Nuclear: Cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a hallmark of the partnership, contributing to India’s energy security (e.g., Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant). The two countries also cooperate in oil and gas, petrochemicals, and the joint modernization of power stations.
Policy Relevance
This comprehensive partnership is of immense strategic relevance, serving as an anchor of stability in a complex geopolitical environment. The continued focus on developing a national currency settlement system and securing strategic energy resources is vital for enhancing India’s economic autonomy and energy security. The upcoming 23rd Annual Summit will be crucial for accelerating joint projects in high-tech areas and infrastructure (like the INSTC) to further insulate bilateral ties from external geopolitical fluctuations.
What is the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership? This is the highest designation in India’s diplomatic hierarchy, defined in 2010 to characterize a unique relationship of mutual trust and strategic convergence. It mandates intensive, multi-layered political engagements (such as Annual Summits and the 2+2 Dialogue) and deep cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors, including defense, energy, and technology.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What specific policy reforms are needed to accelerate the utilization of the INSTC route and expand mutual settlements in national currencies to meet the US$100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030?
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