Moscow to Host Second Russia-India Conference on Strategic Partnership
Moscow, Russia, is set to host the second international conference titled "Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations" on March 23, 2026. This high-level event will bring together senior diplomats, policymakers, and experts from both nations to strengthen strategic cooperation and deepen bilateral ties.
Key Participants and Inauguration
The conference will be inaugurated by Sergey Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, underscoring the importance both countries place on enhancing their partnership. Other notable participants include Igor Ivanov, former Russian Foreign Minister, Denis Alipov, Russian Ambassador to India, and Nikhilesh Giri, India's Charge d'Affaires in Russia, as reported by TV BRICS.
Organizers and Thematic Focus
Organized by the Russian International Affairs Council and the Embassy of India in Russia, the conference will focus on several critical areas:
- The role of Russia and India in shaping a multipolar world.
- Engagement with third countries to expand global influence.
- Enhancing economic cooperation through trade and investment.
Economic and Trade Developments
Bilateral trade between Russia and India has seen remarkable growth, reaching a record 68.7 billion US dollars in the 2024-2025 financial year. Both nations have set an ambitious target to increase trade to 100 billion US dollars by 2030, as agreed upon by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Connectivity and Infrastructure Projects
Connectivity initiatives will be a major discussion point, including:
- The International North-South Transport Corridor.
- The Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route.
- The Northern Sea Route.
These projects aim to improve logistics efficiency and boost trade flows between the two countries.
Sectoral Cooperation and People-to-People Ties
The conference will also deliberate on cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, culture, education, and labour mobility. Notably, the number of Indian students in Russia increased by 35 per cent in 2024, highlighting growing people-to-people connections.
Visa Norms and Future Recommendations
Participants are expected to discuss easing visa regulations to promote tourism and workforce exchange. The event will conclude with policy recommendations aimed at guiding future collaboration, ensuring a robust framework for sustained bilateral engagement.
