Moscow, March 19 — The Russian capital will host the second international conference titled “Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations” on March 23, convening senior diplomats, policymakers and experts from both countries to strengthen strategic ties. The opening session will be led by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, highlighting the leadership-level priority attached to the relationship. Notable participants include former Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov and India’s Charge d’Affaires in Russia Nikhilesh Giri, according to TV BRICS. Organized by the Russian International Affairs Council together with the Embassy of India in Russia, the conference agenda covers the roles of Russia and India in a multipolar world, engagement with third countries and ways to expand economic cooperation. Trade between the two countries reached a record US$68.7 billion in the 2024–2025 financial year; both sides have set a target to lift commerce to US$100 billion by 2030, a goal agreed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi. Connectivity projects are expected to feature prominently, including the International North–South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok maritime route and the Northern Sea Route, all aimed at improving logistics and trade efficiency. Delegates will also discuss cooperation in agriculture, culture, education and labour mobility — areas underscored by a 35% rise in Indian students in Russia in 2024. Measures to ease visa rules to boost tourism and workforce exchange are anticipated to be on the table. The conference will conclude with policy recommendations intended to guide future bilateral collaboration. (ANI/TV BRICS)
