India and Russia held high-level interagency discussions in New Delhi to explore possible cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, according to an official statement.

The meeting brought together senior officials and experts from both sides to review the full spectrum of maritime cooperation.

The proposals were reportedly discussed on Monday (November 17) between Nikolai Patrushev, Aide to the president of Russia and chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia and India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

“The discussions reaffirmed the deep and enduring Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, grounded in mutual trust, respect and a shared vision for long-term economic and strategic cooperation,” said the statement.

Both sides acknowledged the strong guidance provided by India’s prime minister Narendra Modi and Russian president Vladimir Putin, which continues to shape the expanding India-Russia partnership.

According to the statement, both sides expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive and forward-looking discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across shipbuilding, port development, maritime logistics, Arctic operations, research and training.

“The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to build a more resilient, efficient and sustainable maritime partnership that contributes to the long-term prosperity of both nations and strengthens regional and global connectivity,” it mentioned.

Earlier this week, Patrushev held discussions with Narendra Modi, setting the stage for further announcements at the forthcoming Russian-Indian summit in India’s capital which is just three weeks away.

The talks centered on strengthening cooperation in the maritime domain, including new opportunities for collaboration in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding and blue economy.

In a post on X, Modi described their conversation as “productive,” noting that the dialogue explored future cooperation in connectivity, shipbuilding, skills development and the blue economy.