India and Russia have discussed expanding cooperation across railways, aerospace, critical minerals, mining, fertilisers and advanced manufacturing during the 12th Session of the India Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation held in New Delhi on August 7.
The meeting was held at Vanijya Bhawan under the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), co chaired the meeting for India, while Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia, led the Russian side.
The two sides reviewed progress made since the 11th session and discussed cooperation across areas including industrial modernisation, mining, fertilisers and railway transport.
Focus on railways and Vande Bharat
Railway cooperation emerged as a key area of discussion, with both sides welcoming opportunities to work together on railway infrastructure, signalling systems and the Vande Bharat train project.
The countries also discussed potential collaboration in aerospace, including the production of Russia’s SJ-100 regional aircraft and cooperation on aero engine technologies.
Critical minerals and advanced technologies
The discussions covered a wide range of strategic industries, including rare earth elements, critical minerals, lithium mining and titanium technologies. Both sides also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in exploration, technology development and capacity building in the rare earth sector.
Other areas discussed included unmanned aerial vehicles, 3D printing, carbon fibre technologies and propulsion systems, reflecting a broader focus on advanced industrial capabilities.
India and Russia also reviewed opportunities in mineral fertilisers and chemicals, including DAP and NPK supplies, as well as cooperation in urea production.
Broader industrial cooperation
The working group also discussed collaboration in power engineering, industrial infrastructure, mining equipment and the aluminium sector. The two countries explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in mining and mineral processing while expanding industrial value chains.
The session concluded with both sides signing the Protocol of the 12th Session of the Working Group, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening India Russia economic and industrial ties.
Around 60 delegates from India and Russia participated in the meeting, which provided a platform to identify new areas of industrial cooperation and review progress on ongoing projects.
The discussions underline the continued focus on expanding India Russia economic engagement through strategic cooperation in transport, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, energy and critical mineral supply chains.
