The 12th Session of the India‑Russia Working Group on Modernisation & Industrial Cooperation was held on 7 August 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. Co‑chaired by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, and H.E. Mr. Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia, the meeting reviewed progress since the 11th session and set the agenda for deeper bilateral industrial ties.
Key Developments
- Joint work on the Vande Bharat project, including signalling and infrastructure upgrades.
- Co‑operation on the Russian regional aircraft SJ‑100 and related aero‑engine technology.
- Collaboration in UAVs, 3‑D printing and carbon‑fibre propulsion systems.
- Strategic dialogue on critical minerals including lithium mining, titanium technologies and rare‑earth exploration.
- Discussion on fertilizer cooperation – supply of DAP/NPK fertilizers and a joint venture for urea production.
- Enhanced partnership in aluminium sector, mining equipment, and power engineering.
Important Facts
• Around 60 delegates from India and Russia participated.
• The session was part of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation.
• The Protocol of the 12th Session was signed, reaffirming the strategic partnership.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this working group helps aspirants answer questions on:
- India‑Russia strategic ties – a key aspect of foreign policy (GS2: Polity).
- Make in India and indigenous technology – exemplified by the Vande Bharat train and joint aerospace projects (GS3: Economy, GS4: Technology).
- Critical and rare‑earth minerals – their role in defence, renewable energy and the need for secure supply chains (GS3: Economy). <