India and Russia held high-level interagency discussions in New Delhi on 17 November, focusing on prospective cooperation in shipbuilding and the broader maritime sector, according to an official statement. Senior officials and technical experts from both countries took part in the assessment of current maritime cooperation.

The meeting included Nikolai Patrushev, Aide to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, and Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The delegations reviewed multiple elements of maritime collaboration.

The statement noted that the talks reaffirmed the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, describing it as grounded in mutual trust and respect, along with a shared long-term perspective. It also acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin in guiding the relationship.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the discussions and reaffirmed plans to advance cooperation in shipbuilding, port development, maritime logistics, Arctic activities, research, and training. The statement added that both sides intend to further strengthen maritime cooperation to support long-term development and connectivity.

Earlier in the week, and ahead of the Russian-Indian summit scheduled in New Delhi in three weeks, Patrushev met with Prime Minister Modi. Their talks covered connectivity, shipbuilding, skills development, and the blue economy. Modi described the meeting as “productive” in a post on X.