The programmes and activities of the centre for five years (2000-2001 to 2004-2005) are categorised into two phases.
Phase-I: Establishment, Coordination and Networking, Technology transfer negotiations.
Phase-II: Research, Technology Development Facilities to be set up.

Phase-I: Establishment, Coordination and Networking
2001-2002

• Establishment of the Indo-Russian Centre for Biotechnology in the campus of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad.
• Formal inauguration of the centre and launch of website by Dr. MM Joshi, Minister for Science & Technology and Human Resource Development.
• Setting up of a nodal cell for the centre as an extension of ILTP office in Delhi.
• Preperation of bye-laws, memorandum of Association, Registration of Society, Preperation of EFC, Seeking Cabinet approval.
• Financial sanctions for the centre as per procedure.
• Procurement of necessary infrastructure and equipment including internet connectivity
• Appointment of requisite manpower.
• Implementation of identified and approved joint research projects.
• Holding of joint workshop in the area of plant biotechnology related to abiotic stress.
• Obtaining list of Russian technologies and their profiles for technology transfer in India in the ILTP format for negotiations by the centre with Indian industries.

2002-2003

• The joint proposals as agreed in the last meeting of the Sub-Working Group on biotechnology would be processed by the centre for recommendation to the funding agencies (DST-ILTP, and DBT). As and when required, ILTP/DBT can approach industries and financial Institutions for funding.
• Detailed brochure on the IRCB to be brought out.
• Directory scientists in biotechnology of each country to be prepared and exchanged.
• Special lectures by the eminent Russian and Indian scientists in each other country.
• Joint workshop to focused areas of research in agriculture and medical biotechnology for research and development.

Phase-II: Research, Technology Development and Transfer
2003-2006

• Building, facilities, equipment and manpower for the centre made ready for regular functioning of the laboratories and co-ordinating unit.
• Research areas may be finalised and manpower appointed accordingly.
• The thrust research areas are plant biotechnology with special reference to potato, sunflower and wheat for abiotic / biotic stresses. In the area of medical biotechnology vaccines and diagnostics in mutually interested communicable diseases could be considered. The recommendations of the joint workshop to identify these areas held during the previous year may be implemented suitably.
• Joint pilot scale facilities for production of pharmaceutically important plant secondary metabolite and/or potato seed production is another area of mutual interest.
• Conducting workshops, coordination, arranging special lectures, documentation, etc. would be regular activities every year.