Denis Manturov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Government of Russia, has arrived in New Delhi for a two-day official visit, underscoring the importance Moscow places on its partnership with India.

His trip is centred on co-chairing the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation alongside External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The commission serves as a key institutional mechanism to steer bilateral relations across diverse sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed Manturov with a public statement, highlighting his role in advancing discussions on trade and economic collaboration. The Russian Embassy in India also confirmed that a wide-ranging set of negotiations will take place, covering issues from logistics and market access to investment opportunities.

Manturov himself emphasised that the commission’s priority is to ensure stability in mutual settlements and supply chains, while also identifying new avenues for joint projects.

A major focus of the talks will be the implementation of the Economic Cooperation Programme through 2030, which was adopted in December 2025. This framework outlines long-term plans for expanding trade, investment, and technological collaboration, and the current discussions are expected to translate those ambitions into concrete steps. The global economic environment, marked by volatility and shifting alliances, adds urgency to these deliberations.

Manturov’s schedule includes meetings with key Indian officials beyond the commission. He is set to hold consultations with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, signalling that the agenda extends to strategic and financial dimensions of the partnership. These engagements reflect the multifaceted nature of India-Russia ties, which span defence, energy, technology, and cultural exchange.

The visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to reinforce their economic resilience and diversify partnerships. For India, closer economic cooperation with Russia complements its broader strategy of balancing global relationships, while for Russia, deepening ties with India offers a crucial avenue amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The outcomes of this visit are likely to shape the trajectory of bilateral cooperation for years to come.

ANI