Gujarat–Astrakhan cooperation talks focus on trade, education, shipbuilding, and INSTC logistics

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Russia’s Astrakhan Governor Igor Babushkin on Wednesday agreed to speed up cooperation in trade, education and shipbuilding during a virtual meeting. Bhupendra Patel also said Gujarat was ready to work on transport and logistics linked to the International North-South Transport Corridor INSTC. An official statement said Bhupendra Patel pointed to opportunities in Gujarat’s shipbuilding sector.

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The talks also reviewed earlier agreements between Gujarat and the Astrakhan region. The two sides had signed a protocol cooperation agreement in 2001. That protocol stays valid until November 6, 2026. The official statement said the meeting focused on practical steps to deepen ties. Both sides also looked at areas where existing plans could move faster.

Trade cooperation and INSTC transport corridor

Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat was prepared to cooperate more in transport and logistics under the INSTC plan. The official statement said the leaders linked this work to wider trade cooperation. The discussion also noted Gujarat’s shipbuilding capacity and related business options. The leaders agreed to push forward work that supports smoother movement of goods and services.

Shipbuilding cooperation and past MoUs

The meeting referred to earlier memorandums of understanding signed in 2003. Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed them when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat. The MoUs covered oil and gas, shipbuilding, food industries, fisheries, medicines, and pharmaceuticals. Agreements were also signed for human resource development, education, and cultural exchange. The release said these points were discussed again.

Education cooperation and Astrakhan SEZ investment talks

The release also recalled a virtual meeting held last February with the External Affairs Minister of the Astrakhan region. That earlier discussion covered possible investments in Astrakhan’s Special Economic Zone SEZ. It also included plans for MoUs between Astrakhan universities and Gujarat’s agricultural, energy, and medical universities. Both sides had also backed sharing maritime transport courses with maritime universities.

Education cooperation and cultural exchange plans

Cultural cooperation also featured in the latest virtual talks, the release stated. The two sides discussed cultural exchange between Gujarat and the Astrakhan region. Invitations were extended for mutual exchange of delegations. The official statement said these exchanges were intended to support people-to-people links. The meeting ended with both sides noting continued work under existing agreements.

With inputs from PTI