Joint working group signs protocol to boost industrial and energy collaboration

India and Russia formalised a new protocol at the 12th India‑Russia working group meeting on 7 August, aiming to broaden cooperation across industrial, scientific and energy domains. The gathering, convened at the Commerce House in New Delhi, was part of the Inter‑governmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation.

The Indian team was headed by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, while Russia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Alexei Grudzhev acted as co‑chair. The protocol sets out a roadmap that includes modernising railway infrastructure, expanding UAV capabilities, and scaling up production of the Russian SJ‑100 regional jet.

Critical minerals such as lithium, titanium, aluminium and rare‑earth elements received special attention, with both parties agreeing to joint exploration, mining‑equipment manufacturing and value‑chain development. Discussions also covered carbon‑fiber technology, propulsion system research, and the supply of DAP and NPK fertilisers.

Additional focus areas for the 12th session comprise renewable‑energy generation, energy‑engineering collaboration, industrial automation, aerospace research, and a potential joint venture in urea production. The protocol was signed by about 60 senior officials, reaffirming a mutual pledge to elevate the strategic partnership to new levels of economic and technological integration.