India and Russia signed a protocol, here today to enhance their cooperation in the electronics, computer and the information technology sector. This follows a week-long session of the fifth meeting of Indo-Russian working group on information technology, which is part of the framework of Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission. The protocol was signed by Mr. O.N. Vaid, Joint Secretary, Department of Electronics for India and by Mr. A.P. Manoshkin, Head of the State Committee for communication and information of the Russian Federation.

Both sides have agreed for cooperation in a number of areas, which include trade, commerce, electronic governance and policy-related issues. This is besides agreement on certification of electronics and information technology products including software, strategic electronics, microelectronics, electronic components and materials, information technology software and digital exchanges.

The Russian side noted Indian capabilities in the information technology offered particularly in the area of software production and exports to US and Europe. They agreed to increase the volume of trade between the two countries in this area. Electronic governance and use of electronics in administration was considered in detail and agreed that both the countries could put their skills together and work for an extensive knowledge base.