A Time-Tested Relationship

Russia has been a longstanding and trusted partner of India. The development of Indo-Russian relations has been a key pillar of India’s foreign policy. Since the signing of the “Declaration on the India–Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000, bilateral ties have acquired a qualitatively new dimension, marked by enhanced cooperation across political, security, trade and economy, defence, science and technology, and cultural spheres.

Under the Strategic Partnership framework, several institutionalized dialogue mechanisms operate at political and official levels to ensure regular engagement and effective implementation of cooperative initiatives. High-level exchanges between the two nations continue to strengthen this enduring relationship.

Defence Cooperation: From Buyer–Seller to Joint Development

India and Russia share deep-rooted defence ties that have evolved from a traditional buyer–seller model to joint research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies.

Flagship examples of this collaboration include:

• BrahMos Missile System
• Licensed production in India of SU-30 aircraft
• Licensed production of T-90 tanks

The two countries also conduct regular military exchanges and annual joint training exercises, reinforcing strategic and operational cooperation.

Expanding Economic and Trade Relations

Strengthening economic partnership remains a shared priority for both governments. India’s major exports to Russia include:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Tea, coffee, and tobacco
• Machinery and mechanical appliances
• Organic chemicals
• Electrical machinery and equipment

Major imports from Russia to India include:

• Pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and metals
• Nuclear power equipment
• Electrical machinery and equipment
• Mineral oil and products
• Iron and steel
• Optical, precision, and surgical equipment

Both nations continue exploring new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investment flows.

Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Space

Russia is a vital partner for India in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It recognizes India as a nation with advanced nuclear technology and a strong non-proliferation record. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) stands as a major symbol of Indo-Russian nuclear collaboration.

Space cooperation between the two countries spans over four decades. In 2015, India marked the 40th anniversary of the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhatt, on a Russian (then USSR) launch vehicle C-1 Interkosmos.

In 2017, both countries signed a framework agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, covering:

• Satellite launches
• GLONASS navigation system
• Remote sensing
• Special space applications

Discussions are also ongoing regarding collaboration in manned space missions.

Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Cultural relations form a strong bridge between the peoples of India and Russia. The Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre (JNCC) in Moscow actively collaborates with prominent Russian institutions.

A Mahatma Gandhi Chair on Indian Philosophy has been established at the Institute of Philosophy in Moscow. Around 20 Russian institutions teach Hindi to nearly 1,500 students. Other Indian languages such as Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Urdu, Sanskrit, and Pali are also taught in Russia.

There is widespread interest in India’s dance, music, yoga, and Ayurveda among Russian citizens. Reciprocal Years of Culture and various cultural initiatives further promote people-to-people connections.

Indian Community in Russia

The Indian community in the Russian Federation is estimated at around 30,000 people. Approximately:

• 500 Indian businessmen reside in Russia (around 200 in Moscow)
• 300 registered Indian companies operate in Russia
• 4,500 Indian students pursue medical and technical education in Russian institutions

Hindustani Samaj, established in 1957, is the oldest Indian organization in Russia.

India–Russia Joint Issue on Folk Dance

Theme: Folk Dance

To celebrate the rich cultural heritage of both nations, the Department of Posts has released a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps under the India–Russia Joint Issue on the theme “Folk Dance.”

• The Indian stamp features Bhavai Dance.
• The Russian stamp features Beryozka Dance.

The Miniature Sheet design beautifully incorporates architectural icons — Hawa Mahal from Jaipur, India, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral from Moscow, Russia — symbolizing the deep cultural bond between the two civilizations.

Bhavai Dance (India)

Bhavai is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan known for its extraordinary balancing acts. Veiled women dancers balance up to seven or nine brass pitchers on their heads while performing graceful movements, pirouettes, and swaying steps.

In some performances, dancers balance on the edge of a sword or atop a glass, creating moments of intense suspense. The dance is accompanied by male performers who sing melodious songs and play instruments such as:

• Pakhawaj
• Dholak
• Jhanjhar
• Sarangi
• Harmonium

Traditionally performed by women from communities such as Jat, Bhil, Raigar, Meena, Kumhar, and Kalbelia, Bhavai is believed to have evolved from the remarkable balancing skills developed by desert women carrying multiple water pots over long distances.

Beryozka Dance (Russia)

Beryozka is one of Russia’s most famous folk dances and traces its origins to ancient Slavic ritual traditions. It is a graceful round dance where performers hold hands and move in synchronized circular patterns.

The distinctive feature of the dance is the short, frequent steps that create the illusion of gliding — resembling a swan swimming. Women perform in traditional-inspired costumes styled after Nizhny Novgorod attire, including:

• Jacket
• Sarafan
• Kokoshnik or headscarf

Dancers may hold handkerchiefs or birch branches, symbolizing farewell to spring. The overall mood of the dance is gentle and melancholic.

Commemorative Postage Stamp Release

The Department of Posts proudly commemorates this cultural partnership through a Joint Issue Commemorative Postage Stamp and Miniature Sheet, celebrating the shared artistic traditions of India and Russia.

By featuring Bhavai and Beryozka, the stamp issue highlights not only the beauty of folk dance but also the enduring friendship and cultural harmony between the two great nations.