India and Russia Supreme Courts Sign MoU on Judicial Cooperation and AI

Kaustav Chowdhury
1 day ago
4 min read

On June 23, 2026, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and the Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Moscow, marking a significant step in bilateral judicial cooperation. The agreement covers the use of artificial intelligence in court procedures, exchange of judicial training programmes, and joint seminars on legal reform. The signing took place during a high-level visit by CJI Surya Kant, accompanied by a delegation from the Supreme Court of India.

Key Terms of the MoU

The MoU commits both judiciaries to enhancing cooperation through several concrete mechanisms. These include exchange visits by judicial officers, short-term and long-term training programmes, and joint seminars and conferences on topics of mutual interest. A Joint Working Group will be established to develop strategies for technological and institutional collaboration between the two supreme courts. Both sides deliberated on digital transformation in their judiciaries, with particular focus on how technology and AI can improve court procedures and access to justice.

CJI Surya Kant on AI in the Judiciary

CJI Surya Kant articulated a carefully balanced position on the role of AI in the justice system. He emphasised that while artificial intelligence may assist judges by organising information and streamlining administrative processes, it cannot and must not determine outcomes, assess witness credibility, evaluate evidence, or exercise judicial discretion. This distinction between AI as an efficiency tool and AI as a decision-maker is central to India's approach to court technology.

The CJI also noted that India and Russia face a common challenge: preserving public faith in the justice system while modernising court infrastructure. Both countries have large populations, complex legal frameworks, and significant case backlogs, making technological solutions an urgent priority. India's own experience with the e-Courts Mission Mode Project and SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency) provides a strong foundation for the collaboration.

India's Broader Judicial Diplomacy

This MoU is part of a broader pattern of judicial diplomacy by the Supreme Court of India. In recent years, the Indian judiciary has engaged with counterparts in Singapore, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and several other jurisdictions on subjects ranging from commercial arbitration to digital court infrastructure. The India-Russia agreement adds a new dimension by explicitly covering AI governance in courts, a topic that has gained urgency globally. (Related: AI Legal Framework in India 2026)

The MoU also comes at a time when the Supreme Court of India has been actively addressing AI-related issues in litigation. In 2026, the Court declared that the citation of AI-generated fictitious precedents by lawyers constitutes professional misconduct, reflecting a growing awareness of both the promise and risks of AI in legal practice. (See: AI-Generated Fake Precedents in Indian Courts)

Constitutional Framework for Judicial Cooperation

Under Article 51 of the Constitution of India, the State is directed to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations and to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. While MoUs between judiciaries are not treaties in the strict sense, they fall within the broader constitutional mandate of international cooperation. The Supreme Court, as the apex judicial institution, has inherent authority to engage in institutional exchanges that strengthen the administration of justice.

The MoU does not create binding legal obligations but establishes a framework for structured cooperation. It is expected to lead to concrete initiatives, including joint workshops on AI ethics in adjudication, sharing of best practices in case management systems, and collaborative research on reducing pendency through technology. (See also: MeitY AI Content Labelling Rules 2026)

Implications for Legal Practice and Court Technology

For legal practitioners in India, the MoU signals that AI integration into the judicial process will accelerate. The e-Courts Phase III project, which has a budget of Rs 7,210 crore, is already rolling out AI-based tools for case classification, hearing scheduling, and judgment translation across all courts. The collaboration with Russia could add comparative insights, particularly on how AI can assist in civil law jurisdictions, which differ structurally from India's common law system.

The emphasis on AI ethics is particularly relevant given the global debate on algorithmic bias in judicial decision-making. Courts in the United States and Europe have faced criticism for reliance on risk assessment algorithms, and the India-Russia MoU appears designed to ensure that both countries develop AI tools that enhance rather than replace judicial reasoning. (Related: Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023: Electronic Evidence Rules)

Significance for Access to Justice

Both India and Russia have vast geographical territories where access to courts remains a challenge. AI-powered virtual courts, online dispute resolution platforms, and real-time translation services can bridge language and distance barriers. India's National Lok Adalat programme, which settled over 2 crore cases in a single day in March 2026, demonstrates the scale of alternative dispute resolution that technology can support. (See: Lok Adalats in India: How They Work)

The MoU between the Supreme Courts of India and Russia represents a forward-looking commitment to modernise justice delivery while preserving the fundamental principles of judicial independence and human decision-making. As both countries navigate the integration of AI into their legal systems, this collaboration may serve as a model for South-South judicial cooperation on technology governance. (See also: IT Intermediary Guidelines Second Amendment Rules 2026)