Denis Manturov, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening to discuss business and defense cooperation between the two countries. Manturov is visiting India for the meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation, where he will join External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. India and Russia are collaborating in various areas such as oil and gas, defense, railways, and banking, among others.
However, the two countries are facing challenges in some of these areas that need to be addressed. India has continued its business ties with Russia despite the sanctions imposed by Western countries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Modi and Manturov are expected to discuss the progress of joint venture projects and how to resolve the roadblocks hindering them. According to sources, Russia aims to expand its cooperation with India in defense and nuclear fields and seeks the expedited implementation of already signed projects.
Sources also indicate that the two countries may sign a new aviation deal. Besides the Prime Minister, Manturov is also likely to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. He will also inaugurate a new Russian Exports Centre at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi to boost Indian exports to Russia.
Meanwhile, the Union government is considering sending an envoy to calm the leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), which has threatened to end its 27-year ceasefire and resume armed struggle for a sovereign Nagaland. The standoff centers on the NSCN’s demand for the recognition of a separate flag and constitution for Nagaland, as stipulated in the 2015 Framework Agreement between the NSCN and the Indian government. Despite ongoing negotiations, the government remains reluctant to accede to the demand. The government is expected to send an envoy to engage with NSCN leadership to find a peaceful solution to the issue, though it is unlikely to involve a third party in the process.
