Denis Alipov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of India
ON EQUAL FOOTING
India, like Russia, is a vivid example of the triune of ancient traditions, diversity, and modernity. Not only is it the world’s oldest civilization with a unique culture but also a young, dynamically evolving power boasting a developed industry and infrastructure, vast human resources, and an ever-expanding scientific and technological potential. In terms of nominal GDP, it has almost become the world’s fourth economy, outpacing its competitors in recent years.
Advancing the particularly privileged strategic partnership with India has been a key priority of Russia’s foreign policy, steadily taking shape over the 78 years of diplomatic relations. Our historically close ties stem from a high level of mutual trust, respect for national interests, and a consentient and similar approaches to key aspects of global and regional policy. The distinctive nature of the bilateral relations is reflected in the fundamental texts—the 1993 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.
Committed to shaping a polycentric world order based on sovereign equality and adherence to the norms and principles of international law, Moscow and New Delhi advocate for democratised international relations, the enhanced role of the Global South in economic governance, and respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of all peoples. Our nations stand together in the interests of stability, global and regional security, actively engaging within the G20, BRICS, and SCO.
Russia and India maintain a close dialogue at all levels: between the leaders of the states, the chairpersons of both parliament chambers, the heads of security councils and foreign ministers, the heads of sectoral agencies and regions, business associations, and public circles. There exist effective mechanisms of intergovernmental commissions on trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, military and military-technical cooperation.
Well-tuned interaction formats across the wide spectrum of strategic areas enable the Russian-Indian cooperation to adjust to new challenges of our times, progressively fostering stronger ties amidst the changing geopolitical landscape. The system of mutual settlements and logistics has been adeptly reconfigured under unprecedented sanctions, while the capacities of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Vladivostok–Chennai maritime corridor are being realised. With bilateral trade peaking over the entire post-Soviet period and trade turnover exceeding $70 billion in 2024, Russia has become India’s fourth-largest trading partner, the main supplier of hydrocarbons satisfying over a third of India’s oil needs, the largest exporter of agricultural products, fertilisers, and a number of other commodities.
Advancing the particularly privileged strategic partnership with India has been a key priority of Russia’s foreign policy, steadily taking shape over the 78 years of diplomatic relations. Our historically close ties stem from a high level of mutual trust, respect for national interests, and a consentient and similar approaches to key aspects of global and regional policy. The distinctive nature of the bilateral relations is reflected in the fundamental texts—the 1993 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.
Committed to shaping a polycentric world order based on sovereign equality and adherence to the norms and principles of international law, Moscow and New Delhi advocate for democratised international relations, the enhanced role of the Global South in economic governance, and respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of all peoples. Our nations stand together in the interests of stability, global and regional security, actively engaging within the G20, BRICS, and SCO.
Russia and India maintain a close dialogue at all levels: between the leaders of the states, the chairpersons of both parliament chambers, the heads of security councils and foreign ministers, the heads of sectoral agencies and regions, business associations, and public circles. There exist effective mechanisms of intergovernmental commissions on trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, military and military-technical cooperation.
Well-tuned interaction formats across the wide spectrum of strategic areas enable the Russian-Indian cooperation to adjust to new challenges of our times, progressively fostering stronger ties amidst the changing geopolitical landscape. The system of mutual settlements and logistics has been adeptly reconfigured under unprecedented sanctions, while the capacities of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Vladivostok–Chennai maritime corridor are being realised. With bilateral trade peaking over the entire post-Soviet period and trade turnover exceeding $70 billion in 2024, Russia has become India’s fourth-largest trading partner, the main supplier of hydrocarbons satisfying over a third of India’s oil needs, the largest exporter of agricultural products, fertilisers, and a number of other commodities.
A key priority of Russia’s foreign policy is advancing the strategic partnership with India. Our historically close ties stem from mutual trust, respect for national interests, and a similar approach to global and regional policy.
Advancing the particularly privileged strategic partnership with India has been a key priority of Russia’s foreign policy, steadily taking shape over the 78 years of diplomatic relations. Our historically close ties stem from a high level of mutual trust, respect for national interests, and a consentient and similar approaches to key aspects of global and regional policy. The distinctive nature of the bilateral relations is reflected in the fundamental texts—the 1993 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.
Committed to shaping a polycentric world order based on sovereign equality and adherence to the norms and principles of international law, Moscow and New Delhi advocate for democratised international relations, the enhanced role of the Global South in economic governance, and respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of all peoples. Our nations stand together in the interests of stability, global and regional security, actively engaging within the G20, BRICS, and SCO.
Russia and India maintain a close dialogue at all levels: between the leaders of the states, the chairpersons of both parliament chambers, the heads of security councils and foreign ministers, the heads of sectoral agencies and regions, business associations, and public circles. There exist effective mechanisms of intergovernmental commissions on trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, military and military-technical cooperation.
Well-tuned interaction formats across the wide spectrum of strategic areas enable the Russian-Indian cooperation to adjust to new challenges of our times, progressively fostering stronger ties amidst the changing geopolitical landscape. The system of mutual settlements and logistics has been adeptly reconfigured under unprecedented sanctions, while the capacities of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Vladivostok–Chennai maritime corridor are being realised. With bilateral trade peaking over the entire post-Soviet period and trade turnover exceeding $70 billion in 2024, Russia has become India’s fourth-largest trading partner, the main supplier of hydrocarbons satisfying over a third of India’s oil needs, the largest exporter of agricultural products, fertilisers, and a number of other commodities.
The positive momentum in trade is backed by a marked increase in business contacts and new joint initiatives in high-tech. Maharashtra has seen the launch of a JSC “Transmashholding” project focused on the production and maintenance of high-speed trains. JSC “NLMK” has put in place and is operating a transformer steel plant at design capacity. The production of polymer composites is underway in Andhra Pradesh and of butyl rubber in Gujarat. India’s investment influence in the Russian market is growing—the consortium of leading energy corporations ONGC Videsh Ltd., Oil India Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum owns 20% of the shares in the Sakhalin-1 project, 49.9% in the Vankor field, and 29.9% in the Taas-Yuryakh project. Imperial Energy Group is engaged in oil prospecting and production in the Tomsk region.
Committed to shaping a polycentric world order based on sovereign equality and adherence to the norms and principles of international law, Moscow and New Delhi advocate for democratised international relations, the enhanced role of the Global South in economic governance, and respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of all peoples. Our nations stand together in the interests of stability, global and regional security, actively engaging within the G20, BRICS, and SCO.
Russia and India maintain a close dialogue at all levels: between the leaders of the states, the chairpersons of both parliament chambers, the heads of security councils and foreign ministers, the heads of sectoral agencies and regions, business associations, and public circles. There exist effective mechanisms of intergovernmental commissions on trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, military and military-technical cooperation.
Well-tuned interaction formats across the wide spectrum of strategic areas enable the Russian-Indian cooperation to adjust to new challenges of our times, progressively fostering stronger ties amidst the changing geopolitical landscape. The system of mutual settlements and logistics has been adeptly reconfigured under unprecedented sanctions, while the capacities of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Vladivostok–Chennai maritime corridor are being realised. With bilateral trade peaking over the entire post-Soviet period and trade turnover exceeding $70 billion in 2024, Russia has become India’s fourth-largest trading partner, the main supplier of hydrocarbons satisfying over a third of India’s oil needs, the largest exporter of agricultural products, fertilisers, and a number of other commodities.
The positive momentum in trade is backed by a marked increase in business contacts and new joint initiatives in high-tech. Maharashtra has seen the launch of a JSC “Transmashholding” project focused on the production and maintenance of high-speed trains. JSC “NLMK” has put in place and is operating a transformer steel plant at design capacity. The production of polymer composites is underway in Andhra Pradesh and of butyl rubber in Gujarat. India’s investment influence in the Russian market is growing—the consortium of leading energy corporations ONGC Videsh Ltd., Oil India Ltd., Indian Oil Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum owns 20% of the shares in the Sakhalin-1 project, 49.9% in the Vankor field, and 29.9% in the Taas-Yuryakh project. Imperial Energy Group is engaged in oil prospecting and production in the Tomsk region.
Credible platforms such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum, and other sectoral conferences and exhibitions hold a significant place in extending economic ties and deepening the dialogue.
Key objectives include increasing mutual trade to $100 billion by 2030, while concentrating on diversifying and addressing existing imbalances. The current agenda involves accelerating talks to create a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and India, and implementing the “Programme 2030” to advance priority areas of cooperation. Systematic efforts continue to create favourable conditions for business by improving mechanisms for mutual settlements, insurance, and customs, particularly through mandated economic operators.
Achieving these goals is tied to unlocking the potential of interregional cooperation. In 2024, the scale and scope of Russian official visits and business missions to India increased twofold, bringing forth new commercial, scientific, technological, and humanitarian projects. A notable cultural event was the expedition by Ratheesh Nair, the Honorary Consul of Russia in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), who in 2024 retraced the route of Afanasy Nikitin’s “Voyage Beyond Three Seas” to commemorate its 555th anniversary, while conducting educational, cultural, and business events across regions of Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and India.
Key objectives include increasing mutual trade to $100 billion by 2030, while concentrating on diversifying and addressing existing imbalances. The current agenda involves accelerating talks to create a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and India, and implementing the “Programme 2030” to advance priority areas of cooperation. Systematic efforts continue to create favourable conditions for business by improving mechanisms for mutual settlements, insurance, and customs, particularly through mandated economic operators.
Achieving these goals is tied to unlocking the potential of interregional cooperation. In 2024, the scale and scope of Russian official visits and business missions to India increased twofold, bringing forth new commercial, scientific, technological, and humanitarian projects. A notable cultural event was the expedition by Ratheesh Nair, the Honorary Consul of Russia in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), who in 2024 retraced the route of Afanasy Nikitin’s “Voyage Beyond Three Seas” to commemorate its 555th anniversary, while conducting educational, cultural, and business events across regions of Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and India.
A vital area of strategic partnership remains the military and military-technical cooperation, which significantly reinforces India’s defense capabilities and security. Cooperation in this field has long moved away from the “seller-buyer” pattern towards the phased localisation of modern military production using local facilities while transferring advanced technologies.
The share of Russian/Soviet systems in the Indian Army exceeds 50%, and is seamlessly complemented by local supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles of all types, AK-203 assault rifles, the latest frigates, aircraft engines, T-90 and T-72 tanks, and Su-30 MKI fighters. New initiatives are in the pipeline, further developing engine-building, missiles, torpedoes, autonomous technologies, electronics, and electronic warfare. Significant practical benefits were derived from the extensive participation of Russian special exporters in the Aero India 2025 air show in Karnataka in February 2025, where the fifth-generation Su-57E fighter made its debut in India, and over 500 samples of Russian military equipment were on display. The field-oriented dialogue is facilitated by regular operational combat drills, including the Russian-Indian Indra exercises involving all branches of the armed forces, the multinational naval maneuvers Milan, the SCO anti-terrorist exercises Peace Mission, among others.
The flagship project of “peaceful atom” envisages the construction of the Kudankulam NPP in Tamil Nadu, which vividly illustrates the high-tech bilateral interactions based on mutual trust. Once all six power units are commissioned (the first two are already in place), the NPP will satisfy a significant share of the electricity needs of Tamil Nadu and other regions of India. The accumulated positive experience makes it possible to engage in close cooperation on promising venues such as small modular reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the non-energy applications of nuclear technologies, particularly in the supply of isotopic products used for diagnosing and treating cancer and heart diseases.
We see more opportunities to develop the Northern Sea Route, explore hydrocarbon fields in high latitudes, train Indian polar sailors, enhance shipbuilding and scientific research. Russia is contributing to the implementation of India’s first manned space programme.
Research institutions are actively expanding their cooperation. India is the venue of active efforts by the Skolkovo Foundation, Innopraktika, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. IT companies from both countries are intensifying their dialogue in cybersecurity, quantum computing, smart city technologies, and AI.
Broad prospects are opening up in education and training of specialists in medicine, aviation, nuclear energy, among others. As Indian applicants are offered language and scientific internships, summer schools, olympiads, and contests, academic exchanges are gaining momentum. Dual degree programmes are being successfully implemented, with over 30,000 Indian students currently studying in Russia. In April 2024, the first Russian-Indian Education Summit was held in New Delhi bringing together some 60 Russian universities, and this practice will continue.
The share of Russian/Soviet systems in the Indian Army exceeds 50%, and is seamlessly complemented by local supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles of all types, AK-203 assault rifles, the latest frigates, aircraft engines, T-90 and T-72 tanks, and Su-30 MKI fighters. New initiatives are in the pipeline, further developing engine-building, missiles, torpedoes, autonomous technologies, electronics, and electronic warfare. Significant practical benefits were derived from the extensive participation of Russian special exporters in the Aero India 2025 air show in Karnataka in February 2025, where the fifth-generation Su-57E fighter made its debut in India, and over 500 samples of Russian military equipment were on display. The field-oriented dialogue is facilitated by regular operational combat drills, including the Russian-Indian Indra exercises involving all branches of the armed forces, the multinational naval maneuvers Milan, the SCO anti-terrorist exercises Peace Mission, among others.
The flagship project of “peaceful atom” envisages the construction of the Kudankulam NPP in Tamil Nadu, which vividly illustrates the high-tech bilateral interactions based on mutual trust. Once all six power units are commissioned (the first two are already in place), the NPP will satisfy a significant share of the electricity needs of Tamil Nadu and other regions of India. The accumulated positive experience makes it possible to engage in close cooperation on promising venues such as small modular reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the non-energy applications of nuclear technologies, particularly in the supply of isotopic products used for diagnosing and treating cancer and heart diseases.
We see more opportunities to develop the Northern Sea Route, explore hydrocarbon fields in high latitudes, train Indian polar sailors, enhance shipbuilding and scientific research. Russia is contributing to the implementation of India’s first manned space programme.
Research institutions are actively expanding their cooperation. India is the venue of active efforts by the Skolkovo Foundation, Innopraktika, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. IT companies from both countries are intensifying their dialogue in cybersecurity, quantum computing, smart city technologies, and AI.
Broad prospects are opening up in education and training of specialists in medicine, aviation, nuclear energy, among others. As Indian applicants are offered language and scientific internships, summer schools, olympiads, and contests, academic exchanges are gaining momentum. Dual degree programmes are being successfully implemented, with over 30,000 Indian students currently studying in Russia. In April 2024, the first Russian-Indian Education Summit was held in New Delhi bringing together some 60 Russian universities, and this practice will continue.
