INDIA and Russia, two nations with a rich history of cultural exchange, have further solidified their bond. The bilateral relations, which date back to pre-Independence India, continue to thrive, encompassing diverse areas such as culture, science and technology, and defence cooperation.
Cultural ties between India and Russia have flourished over centuries, from the early arrival of Afanasy Nikitin preceding Vascode-Gama’s expedition, to the establishment of the Russian theatre in Kolkata, these connections have nurtured a deep-rooted connection between the people of both nations. Renowned Russian scholars like Gerasim Lebedev and Nicholas Roerich have delved into India’s culture and philosophy, leaving an indelible impact.
Of books & cinema
Renowned literary figures such as Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin have also influenced Indian literature. The love for Indian cinema has transcended generations in Russia, while the popularity of yoga has soared since the 1980s, particularly in major cities and urban centres. The increasing number of Indian tourists visiting Russia, and vice versa, highlights the growing interest and accessibility between the two countries.
The ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ extends far beyond cultural exchanges, with a strong emphasis on scientific collaboration. Science and technology have become pivotal aspects of bilateral relations, complementing their political and military alliances. Collaborative programmes have penetrated academic institutes, industry, and scientific laboratories, resulting in knowledge creation, products, and cutting-edge facilities through joint projects.
Defence cooperation
Defence cooperation stands as a crucial pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to each other. Recent high-level discussions and collaborations during the IndiaRussia 2+2 Dialogue which was held in Delhi on December 6, 2021, have reaffirmed the dedication of both sides to joint research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies.
This partnership goes beyond a conventional buyer-seller relationship, showcasing a deeper level of engagement. The annual meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & MilitaryTechnical Cooperation plays a pivotal role in fostering this cooperation, enhancing operational capabilities through joint military exercises and personnel exchanges.
Trade relations
Bilateral trade between both the countries has been steadily rising, with the trade volume reaching USD 13.1 billion from April 2021 to March 2022. Notably, India’s exports amounted to USD 3.3 billion, while imports from Russia totalled USD 9.8 billion during this period. The trade volume for the financial year 2022-23 exceeded way beyond USD 13.7 billion, predominantly driven by increased Russian oil imports.
Defence equipment, petroleum products, minerals, precious stones and metals, nuclear power equipment, fertilisers, electrical machinery, steel articles, and inorganic chemicals constitute the major imports from Russia to India. Conversely, India exports electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, iron and steel, apparels, tea, coffee, and vehicle spare parts to Russia.
Moreover, substantial investments have been made by both nations in each other’s economies. Indian investments in Russia are estimated to be around USD 15 billion, while Russian investments in India amount to USD 18 billion.
The Indian community, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), in Russia comprises approximately 30,000 individuals. Indian banks, public sector undertakings, government organisations, and companies such as Indo-Commercial Bank of India, Dr. Reddy’s Lab, Hetero Labs, Ranbaxy, NIIT, and TCS have firmly established their presence in Russia.
