NEW DELHI: India and Russia have renewed their push to stabilise bilateral trade and expand economic cooperation amid shifting global geoeconomic dynamics, with a strong focus on energy security, logistics and investment.
The agenda was discussed at the Inter-Governmental Commission meeting co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in New Delhi.
The commission, which is the key ministerial mechanism overseeing trade, economic, scientific and cultural cooperation discussed ensuring stability in mutual settlements and supply chains. Both sides also stressed the need to improve market access and accelerate joint investments and projects.
According to a statement from External Affairs Ministry, "both sides held wide-ranging discussions focusing on trade, industry, energy, fertilisers, connectivity and mobility, in addition to new opportunities in technology, innovation and critical minerals."
The talks took place in the backdrop of continued volatility in global energy markets triggered by the widening West Asia war. Russia signalled its readiness to step up supplies of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India to meet rising demand.
"Manturov confirmed that Russian companies have the capacity to steadily increase supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas to the Indian market," a statement from the Russian Embassy said.
The statement added that energy cooperation remains a central pillar of bilateral ties. Russia also highlighted gains in fertiliser exports, with Manturov pointing out that the supplies of mineral fertilisers to India rose by 40 per cent by the end of 2025. He expressed readiness to continue meeting India’s agricultural requirements.
Civil nuclear cooperation featured prominently, with both sides reviewing progress on additional power units at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. "In line with agreed schedules, the project to construct power units is being implemented," the Russian statement said.
The MEA added that both sides reviewed progress on decisions taken during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in December 2025 and "exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the conflict in West Asia".
Manturov's visit also included meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Discussions with Doval are learnt to have covered defence cooperation, regional security and the war in West Asia.
The visit comes days after India cleared procurement of an additional five units of the S-400 missile system, which reflects sustained defence engagement between the two countries.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the interactions are seen as a shared intent to deepen the strategic partnership by reinforcing economic resilience, securing energy flows and expanding cooperation across both traditional and emerging sectors.