India, Russia discuss Vande Bharat, SJ-100 aircraft, UAVs to deepen industrial ties

India and Russia on Friday reviewed progress in their industrial cooperation and explored expanding collaboration in sectors ranging from railway infrastructure and aerospace to critical minerals and unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) during the 12th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation.

The meeting, held at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi, was co-chaired by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia and Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Alexey Gruzdev.

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A key focus of the discussions included cooperation in the railway sector, with both sides welcoming collaboration on the Vande Bharat train project, railway infrastructure and signalling systems. The two countries also discussed opportunities in the production of Russia's regional passenger aircraft SJ-100 and aero-engines.

The talks also covered cooperation in unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), 3D printing, carbon-fibre technologies and propulsion systems, reflecting efforts to broaden industrial collaboration beyond traditional sectors.

In the mining and energy space, India and Russia discussed strengthening cooperation in critical minerals, lithium mining, rare earth exploration and capacity building, titanium technologies, mining equipment and the aluminium sector., according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The two sides also reviewed collaboration in mineral fertilisers, including DAP/NPK supplies and a proposed joint venture for urea production. Other areas on the agenda included power engineering, industrial infrastructure, chemicals, automation, science and technology, and modern industrialisation.

The discussions were held under the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. Both sides signed the protocol of the 12th session, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral industrial and economic cooperation.

Around 60 delegates from the two countries attended the session.