India-Russia Energy & Health Boost

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar undertook a diplomatic visit to Russia from December 25 to 29, 2023. During his visit, he met with Russian President H.E. Vladimir Putin, who invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia in 2024 and discussed ongoing communications with Prime Minister Modi regarding the Ukraine conflict, underscoring India's steadfast commitment to peace.

Dr. Jaishankar's engagements included substantive discussions with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, H.E. Denis Manturov, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sergey Lavrov. The visit resulted in several bilateral agreements, including those concerning the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plants (KKNPP), an MoU on cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations. KKNPP, India's most extensive nuclear power facility, has been constructed with Russian assistance. The recent agreement further strengthens this collaboration, with Russia aiding in the development of additional power units, aiming for full operational status by 2027. This advancement is pivotal for India's renewable energy efforts and its dedication to climate action.

Furthermore, Dr. Jaishankar announced the finalisation of a program of cooperation for the Russian Far East and expressed anticipation for early meetings of Eurasian Economic Union-India negotiations on free trade agreements, as well as the organising of connectivity events with Russia.

The India-Russia relationship, anchored in a strong foundation of friendship, encompasses economic ties, military cooperation, strategic alignment, scientific collaboration, and vibrant people-to-people relations. An emblematic representation of this friendship is School number 653 in Russia, named after Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and teaching Hindi as part of its curriculum, where Dr. Jaishankar interacted with teachers and students.

The partnership has seen continued growth and strengthening over the years, highlighted by a record import of 2.15 million barrels of Russian crude oil per day by India in May 2023. The recent agreements and discussions signal both countries' dedication towards fostering and exemplifying a profound and enduring friendship on the global stage.