The India-Russia strategic partnership is at a pivotal moment, with both nations encouraged to explore new areas of collaboration, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Arctic cooperation, Africa outreach, and joint technological initiatives, according to an India Narrative report.

The study highlights that joint AI research could be leveraged in health, disaster management, and information warfare. While India boasts a vast IT talent pool, Russia contributes expertise across mathematics, physics, biology, and neurosurgery, with experience in artificial neural networks.

Russia’s need to replace Western hi-tech imports — from microchips to navigation systems — presents an opening for Indian manufacturing, especially under the ‘Make in India’ framework. The report notes parallels with Apple and Boeing’s expansion into India, suggesting Russian firms could follow suit.

In the Arctic, India’s 2022 policy outlines goals in science, environmental protection, connectivity, and governance, aligning with Russia’s push for “Easternisation” of the region. Though India’s approach has been cautious, cooperation here could strengthen economic security and digital connectivity.

Africa offers another arena for “paradiplomacy,” combining India’s diaspora presence with Russia’s regional interests to expand beyond traditional geopolitics.

The report stresses the importance of resolving existing backlogs, including S-400 missile system deliveries and progress on the Vladivostok–Chennai trade corridor. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to India later this year presents an opportunity to reset priorities.

NSA Ajit Doval’s recent Moscow visit, despite new US tariffs over Russian oil imports, signalled India’s strategic autonomy. The bilateral relationship remains resilient, grounded in mutual non-interference and steady leadership-level engagement.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due in Russia next week for the 26th Intergovernmental Commission meeting, where he will hold talks with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on key bilateral and international issues.