Gujarat, Astrakhan Deepen Cooperation

The Chief Minister of India — Gujarat>>>, Bhupendrabhai Patel>>>, and the Governor of Russia>>>'s Russia — Astrakhan Oblast>>>, Igor Babuschkin>>>, held a virtual meeting on May 20 to strengthen partnerships in trade, education, and shipbuilding. They agreed to enhance mutual cooperation and discussed India — Gujarat>>>'s readiness to contribute to the International North–South Transport Corridor>>>. The discussions also revisited existing protocol cooperation agreements from 2001 and memorandums of understanding signed by then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi>>> in 2003, which covered sectors like oil and gas, food industries, fisheries, medicines, pharmaceuticals, human resource development, education, and cultural exchange. Further talks in February with Russia — Astrakhan Oblast>>>'s External Affairs Minister included potential investments in Russia — Astrakhan Oblast>>>'s Special Economic Zone and MoUs between universities in both regions.