India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, has underlined that both nations are firmly committed to achieving the ambitious bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030.

He emphasised that the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin has set this goal, and work is actively underway to identify new areas of cooperation while simultaneously strengthening existing sectors.

Kumar noted that trade between the two countries is steadily growing. He explained that the focus is not only on expanding the volume of trade in traditional sectors but also on exploring new domains that can further diversify the economic partnership. This reflects the broader strategic intent of both governments to deepen economic engagement despite global challenges.

Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of the India-Russia relationship. The Ambassador highlighted the significant progress being made at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu, where Russia’s state nuclear corporation ROSATOM continues to play a pivotal role. Units 3 and 4 of the plant have seen substantial advancement, reinforcing the importance of nuclear energy collaboration in the bilateral framework.

Kumar also drew attention to the growing presence of skilled Indian professionals in Russia. He revealed that the number of Indian workers in the country has surged from an estimated 10,000–15,000 just a few years ago to more than 1,00,000 at present. This sharp increase demonstrates the expanding opportunities for Indian talent in Russia’s labour market, particularly in specialised sectors.

The Ambassador confirmed that the next session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation will be convened later this year. 

This meeting will serve to review progress, set fresh targets, and identify measures to further strengthen bilateral economic ties. It is expected to provide a structured platform for both sides to consolidate gains and chart new pathways for collaboration.

His remarks come at a crucial time, as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026. As the Chair of BRICS this year, India has extended an invitation to Russia to participate in the summit.

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that preparations are progressing in full swing, underscoring the importance of the gathering for global economic and strategic dialogue.

The convergence of these developments—trade expansion, energy cooperation, workforce integration, and multilateral engagement—illustrates the depth and resilience of the India-Russia partnership. Both nations are positioning themselves to navigate shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes while reinforcing their long-standing strategic ties.

ANI