India and Russia Sign Protocol to Enhance Industrial Cooperation at 11th Working Group Meeting
In a move to strengthen bilateral industrial ties, India and Russia signed a formal protocol during the 11th Session of the India–Russia Working Group on Modernisation and Industrial Cooperation, held on August 6, 2025, at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting was co-chaired by senior officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
The session reviewed the progress of ongoing collaborations and explored new pathways to deepen industrial cooperation under the broader framework of the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the progress made since the 10th session and identified key collaborative opportunities across a range of strategic sectors. Discussions focused on industrial modernization, mining, fertilizers, and railway transport, along with emerging domains such as aerospace technology, carbon fiber production, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing.
India and Russia also explored joint initiatives in the development of small aircraft piston engines, the establishment of a wind tunnel testing facility, and cooperation in the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals, including potential projects in underground coal gasification.
In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce noted, “The discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to broaden industrial collaboration and capitalize on each other’s expertise in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.”
The session concluded with the signing of an official protocol by the co-chairs, underscoring both nations’ continued dedication to strengthening industrial cooperation and facilitating technology transfer across high-priority sectors.
Focus on Industrial Modernisation and Technology Exchange
The signed protocol outlines plans to intensify collaboration in key industrial sectors, with a focus on:
- Advanced manufacturing and engineering
- Heavy industry and metallurgy
- Mining and resource development
- Industrial automation and digitalization
- Clean and sustainable technologies
“This working group is a key platform to deepen our longstanding industrial partnership with Russia,” a DPIIT official said. “The shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and industrial growth is the foundation of our cooperation.”
A Strategic Pillar in Bilateral Relations
India and Russia share a robust and evolving economic partnership, with industrial cooperation forming one of its central pillars. The Working Group on Modernisation and Industrial Cooperation is a crucial bilateral mechanism under the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).
This meeting comes at a time when both countries are seeking to diversify economic relations and reduce dependency on traditional markets and supply chains, especially in light of evolving global geopolitical dynamics.
A Russian delegate noted, “India remains one of our key industrial partners in Asia. This session reflects our shared intention to build forward-looking industrial capabilities that benefit both nations.”
Looking Ahead
The 11th Working Group session concluded with a renewed commitment to monitor progress on all agreed initiatives and maintain momentum through technical-level exchanges and industry engagement.
A bilateral industrial summit and several business matchmaking events are expected to be organised later this year to give practical shape to the ideas discussed and facilitate stakeholder collaboration.
As India and Russia continue to expand their strategic partnership, deepening industrial cooperation will play a vital role in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and building resilient economies equipped for the future.
