Fact Check: India-Russia Ties Deepen in Technology and Infrastructure Sectors
What We Know
India and Russia have maintained a long-standing relationship characterized by deepening ties in various sectors, particularly in technology and infrastructure. According to the Brief on India-Russia Economic Relations, bilateral trade between the two nations reached a record high of USD 65.7 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a significant increase from previous years. This growth reflects enhanced cooperation in sectors such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and IT, with Indian investments in Russia primarily focused on these areas.
Moreover, the India at a Glance report highlights that Russian investments in India are concentrated in critical sectors including energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The two countries have set ambitious goals to increase their bilateral investment volume to USD 50 billion, with ongoing discussions to further enhance cooperation in technology and infrastructure.
Analysis
The claim that "India-Russia ties deepen in technology and infrastructure sectors" is supported by substantial evidence from reliable sources. The Brief on India-Russia Economic Relations provides concrete figures showing the growth of bilateral trade and investment, which underscores the strengthening of economic ties. The increase in trade from USD 1.4 billion in 1995 to USD 65.7 billion in 2023-24 is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a robust and evolving partnership.
Additionally, the India at a Glance document reinforces this by detailing the sectors where investments are concentrated, specifically mentioning energy and infrastructure. The establishment of institutional mechanisms like the India-Russia Inter-governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) further illustrates the commitment of both nations to enhance their collaboration in these domains.
However, it is essential to consider the potential biases in the sources. The Brief on India-Russia Economic Relations is published by the Indian Embassy in Moscow, which may present a more favorable view of the relationship. Despite this, the data provided is corroborated by other independent sources, such as Wikipedia, which outlines the historical context of India-Russia relations and their strategic partnership.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "India-Russia ties deepen in technology and infrastructure sectors" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates a significant strengthening of economic ties, particularly in technology and infrastructure, supported by increasing trade and investment figures. The ongoing collaboration in these sectors reflects a strategic partnership that is likely to continue evolving.