The second meeting of the Russian-Indian Working Group on Roads and Intelligent Transport Systems took place in Moscow on September 24, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Dmitry Zverev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Road Transport of the Russian Federation, and Shri Anurag Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Republic of India.

This meeting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between the two nations in the field of transport infrastructure. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made and the state of bilateral collaboration in the sector. The discussions yielded a series of constructive agreements, further strengthening the long-standing partnership between Russia and India.

During the meeting, five key areas of cooperation were identified and agreed upon:

1. Research and Development in Road and Bridge Construction Both countries will now collaborate on improving technologies and materials used in road and bridge construction. Information exchange and joint research will serve as the foundation for this cooperation, with the goal of enhancing the quality and durability of infrastructure in both nations.

2. Investment in Transport Infrastructure Opportunities for mutual investments in highways and transport-related infrastructure were thoroughly explored. Both sides discussed the potential for collaborative projects and programmes that could foster further economic and technological ties between Russia and India.

3. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) A vital aspect of the discussion was the exchange of knowledge in the field of intelligent transport systems. Russia proposed investment in a satellite navigation-based barrier-free toll collection system, while India expressed its commitment to ensuring transparent bidding processes, encouraging the participation of global players, including Russian companies.

4. Highly Automated Transportation (HAT) The group also discussed the operation of unmanned and highly automated transport on highways. Both sides agreed on the importance of sharing practical solutions for organising freight transport, with a special focus on autonomous vehicles. The preparation of a comprehensive road-map was recommended to guide joint activities in this domain.

5. Academic Collaboration and Capacity Building In a move aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange and capacity building, both countries expressed interest in fostering cooperation between the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) and the Russian University of Transport. This collaboration will help in the development of skilled professionals and further strengthen the transport sectors of both nations. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties and working together towards the shared goals of modernising transport infrastructure, advancing technology, and building capacity.