Moscow to host second Russia-India conference on strategic partnership
MOSCOW: Moscow will host the second international conference, 'Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations', on March 23, bringing together senior diplomats, policymakers and experts from both countries to strengthen strategic cooperation.
Organised by the Russian International Affairs Council and the Embassy of India in Russia, the event will be inaugurated by Sergey Lavrov and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, signalling the importance both nations attach to deepening bilateral ties, TV BRICS reports.
Key participants will include Igor Ivanov, Russian ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, and India's Chargé d'Affaires in Russia Nikhilesh Giri, according to TV BRICS. Delegates will focus on the role of Russia and India in shaping a multipolar world, engagement with third countries and expanding economic cooperation.
Bilateral trade has witnessed significant growth, reaching a record $68.7 billion in the 2024–25 financial year. Both sides have set an ambitious target of increasing trade to $100 billion by 2030, as agreed by Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi.
Connectivity projects will be a major focus, including the International North‑South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok maritime route and the Northern Sea Route, all aimed at enhancing logistics and trade efficiency.
Delegates will also deliberate cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, culture, education and labour mobility. Notably, the number of Indian students in Russia rose by 35% in 2024, underlining growing people‑to‑people ties.
Participants are expected to discuss easing visa norms to boost tourism and workforce exchange. The conference will conclude with policy recommendations aimed at guiding future collaboration between the two nations.
By RSS/ANI
