Russia wants Dhaka-Delhi to reduce tension

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin on Monday urged Bangladesh and India to reduce domestic tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Dhaka, the Ambassador underscored the importance of de-escalating tensions with India "the sooner the better," while stressing that Russia does not interfere in bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said bilateral relations between neighbouring countries should be guided by mutual trust and confidence and cautioned against any further escalation beyond the current level.

Welcoming the election schedule announced by the Election Commission, Ambassador Khozin said Russia expects the polls to be held on time on February 12 in Bangaldesh.

He expressed hope that there will be a conducive environment ahead of the February 12 national election.

On the issue of election observers, he said Russia remains in contact with the Election Commission and is awaiting official invitations to send Russian election observers in Bangladesh.

Alexander Khozin  said Moscow has deferred the commencement of the main debt repayment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project by 1.5 years, with the first installment now scheduled for September 15, 2028.

The Ambassador disclosed the information at a press conference titled "Political outcomes of 2025" held at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Dhaka, where he and senior diplomats briefed on key developments in bilateral relations, trade, energy cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

The envoy said the revised repayment schedule was agreed upon in July this year following amendments to the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA).

The amended protocol, approved by the Ministries of Finance of both Russia and Bangladesh, formally deferred the start of the main debt repayment by 18 months, reports BSS.

"The extension of the IGCA, along with renewal of the Letter of Credit, ensures continuity of financial operations for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project," the Ambassador said, adding that it reflects Russia's continued commitment to Bangladesh's flagship energy initiative.

Briefing on the progress of the Rooppur NPP, Ambassador Khozin said work is currently focused on commissioning Unit-1 of the plant, which is at the final  stage of readiness.

Final construction and installation works, start-up and adjustment activities, as well as mandatory inspections and regulatory procedures, are being carried out simultaneously, he said.

"All necessary efforts are being made to ensure systematic progress toward commissioning of the facility," the envoy continued.

Alexander Khozin stressed that successful and timely completion of the project is the result of coordinated work between the Russian side and the Bangladeshi customer and supervising authorities.

He expressed optimism that electricity generation would begin soon.

"As early as next year, we plan to start supplying the first megawatts of electricity to the national grid of Bangladesh," he said, describing it as a major milestone that would confirm the project's readiness for full-scale operation.

Regarding allegations of mismanagement of Rooppur project funds during the previous government, the Ambassador said Russia does not comment on Bangladesh's domestic political processes.

However, he noted that transparency has been ensured throughout the project through proper documentation, certification and verification of milestone achievements, including equipment manufacturing and supply.

On broader bilateral relations, Ambassador Khozin said Bangladesh remains Russia's second-largest trade partner in South Asia.
 
Despite global challenges, bilateral trade turnover has exceeded US$2 billion annually for the past three years, with Russia exporting machinery, wheat, fertilizers and other agricultural products, while importing ready-made garments and textile goods from Bangladesh.

Russia has played a consistent role in strengthening Bangladesh's food security, noting that around two million tonnes of Russian wheat were exported to Bangladesh in 2025, he said.

Supplies of fertilizers, including potash, as well as mustard seeds, have also increased significantly, while exports of Russian veterinary vaccines rose by 25 percent this year.

Energy cooperation continues to form the backbone of economic ties between the two countries, the Ambassador said, highlighting Russia's involvement not only in nuclear energy but also in gas exploration, LNG supply discussions and renewable energy prospects.

Russian companies, he added, are ready to invest in solar and other renewable energy projects in Bangladesh.

He also pointed to expanding cooperation in labour migration, noting a sharp rise in the number of work permits issued to Bangladeshi workers in Russia in recent years.

Education remains another traditional pillar of bilateral cooperation, with growing interest among Bangladeshi students in pursuing higher education in Russia, the Russian envoy added.