18th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission Meeting

The Eighteenth Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) was held in New Delhi on October 15, 2012. The Indian side was led by the Minister of External Affairs and the Chairman of the Indian side of the Commission, H.E. Mr. S.M. Krishna. The Russian side was led by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Chairman of the Russian side of the Commission, H.E. Mr. D.O. Rogozin.

During the meeting, the entire spectrum of India-Russia trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation was reviewed. Both sides expressed optimism at the increase in bilateral trade turnover during the year. It was, however, acknowledged that the level of economic engagement was not commensurate with the potential which exists. The meeting was marked by a constructive approach towards resolving some outstanding concerns related to specific investments and projects. The main outcomes of the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) discussions are:

It was agreed to carry forward the initial momentum gained from the newly constituted Working Group of Modernization and Industrial Cooperation. The focus of this new mechanism, which held its first meeting earlier this year, is to harness benefits from newer and innovative commercially-viable technologies. In addition to traditional sectors for bilateral trade and investment, newer arenas were identified for future growth and development. Some of these include civil aviation, infrastructure, audio-visual & entertainment services and micro, small & medium enterprises.

The two sides agreed to bolster greater inter-regional cooperation between the two countries, encouraged by the recent successful visits from either side by official representatives and business communities of certain regions/States The conclusion of a long-term purchase agreements for LNG between Indian and Russian energy companies in the past one year indicates that further synergies can be achieved in the energy sector.
With the conclusion of over 500 joint projects in the field of Science & Technology, this remains one of the important pillars of the IGC framework. The opening of the two India-Russia S&T Centres in Moscow and Gurgaon in the last year can contribute in a constructive manner to deepen this engagement. The next session of the IRIGC-TEC will be held in Moscow in 2013.

DPM Rogozin visited India on 13-15 October 2012. He was accompanied by senior officials of the Russian Government and more than 80 business representatives. During his visit, DPM Rogozin called on the Prime Minister. He also co-chaired the 6th India-Russia Forum for Trade and Investments (Oct 15, New Delhi), an active B2B forum between the two countries, along with the Indian Co-chair, the Commerce, Industries and Textiles Minister H.E. Shri Anand Sharma.

The interactions on October 15 also served to review the preparations for the forthcoming visit of the President of the Russian Federation, H. E. Mr. V.V. Putin to India for the 13th India-Russia Annual Summit.

Official Visit of President of the Russian Federation to India

The President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir V. Putin, will pay an official visit to India on 24 December, 2012, for the 13th Annual India-Russia Summit.

Delhi, Moscow sign MoU to facilitate cooperation

Delhi and Russian capital Moscow signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in 11 key areas including culture, healthcare, education, transport management, trade and housing.

The signing of the MoU between the two capital cities also marked the beginning of a three-day cultural celebration – Days of Moscow in Delhi – under which a series of cultural, academic and business events will take place in the city.

The MoU was signed by Sergey Cheremin, Minister in charge of the International Economic Relations of Moscow government, and Urban Development Minister of Delhi Government Arvinder Singh Lovely.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, top officials of Delhi government and members of a parliamentary delegation from Russia were present on the occasion. The MoU will facilitate cooperation between the Delhi government and Government of Moscow for next three years. Officials said delegation from both cities will visit each other with aim to establish direct contact between the two cities in various areas.

"Russia has had been the closest friend of India and there have been close cultural ties between the two countries. The culture of both countries have always attracted people of our countries. This agreement will pave way for collaboration in many areas," said Dikshit. Welcoming the pact, Lovely said collaboration with Moscow will help Delhi in addressing major issues like sewage management and transport management.

To promote and facilitate the economic and trade relations between the two cities, a business forum was also organised today. The forum was attended by Russian parliamentary delegation led by Sergey Cheremin, Minister in charge of the International Economic Relations. The Delhi delegation was led by Power and Industries Minister Harun Yusuf. The colourful cultural extravaganza, 'Days of Moscow in Delhi' is been organised by Department of Art, Culture, and Languages of Delhi Government along with DSIIDC (Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd).

India to buy 42 more Su-30 MKI combat aircraft from Russia

 India is all set to procure 42 Su-30 MKI combat aircraft and 71 medium-lift helicopters from Russia. The issue was discussed during meeting between Defence Minister AK Antony and his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov in New Delhi and an agreement in this regard is expected to be signed during the visit of President Vladimir Putin on November 1, sources said.

The 42 Su-30MKIs will add to the firepower of the Indian Air Force and after this, the number of these aircraft will be around 272, they said. During the meeting, the two sides were also understood to have discussed the upgrade programme of the existing inventory of these aircraft in the IAF.

The discussion for procurement of 71 Mi-17 V5 helicopters for the IAF and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was also discussed during the meeting on Tuesday. Under the procurement, India will buy 59 choppers for the IAF whereas the remaining will be used by the MHA and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) most probably for anti-Naxal operations.