Foreign Minister Highlights “Steady” India-Russia Ties During Key Diplomatic Visit; Energy, Trade, and Global Affairs in Focus
Jaishankar Meets Putin in Moscow to Strengthen India-Russia Partnership
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic and trade partnership between the two nations.
The meeting followed wide-ranging discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier in the day.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- Meeting with President Putin focused on strategic ties, energy cooperation, and global geopolitical challenges.
- Talks with FM Sergey Lavrov addressed trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
- Timing of visit comes amid Western pressure on India regarding oil imports from Russia, especially following tensions over the Ukraine conflict.
- S Jaishankar reaffirmed the strength of India-Russia ties, describing them as “among the steadiest relationships in the world after World War II.”
Key Statements
At a joint media briefing with Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar said:
“We believe that relations between India and Russia have been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War.”
He emphasized that geo-political convergence, regular leadership-level dialogue, and mutual public goodwill are the foundations of the enduring relationship.
Agenda of the 3-Day Official Visit
During his visit to Russia, Minister Jaishankar also:
- Co-chaired the 26th Session of the IRIGC-TEC
(India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation) - Addressed the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow
- Discussed enhancing bilateral trade, especially in energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture
Context: Why This Meeting Matters
The visit holds added significance due to:
- Global scrutiny over India’s oil imports from Russia amid the Ukraine war
- US pressure, including from former President Donald Trump, urging India to reconsider energy ties with Moscow
- India’s strategic interest in maintaining diversified partnerships, including with Russia and the West
India-Russia: A Steady Strategic Partnership
India and Russia have historically enjoyed deep-rooted ties in:
- Defence and military cooperation
- Space and nuclear technology
- Cultural and educational exchanges
- Energy trade, particularly oil and natural gas
This visit reaffirms both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement despite global political pressures.
What’s Next?
The outcomes of this high-level engagement are expected to influence:
- Future energy agreements and trade expansion
- India’s role in multi-polar diplomacy
- Regional stability and strategic balancing between the East and the West
What’s Next?
The outcomes of this high-level engagement are expected to influence:
- Future energy agreements and trade expansion
- India’s role in multi-polar diplomacy
- Regional stability and strategic balancing between the East and the West
Dr. S Jaishankar’s Moscow visit underscores the strategic depth of India-Russia relations, with a clear message: despite shifting global alignments, this partnership remains resilient, balanced, and future-focused.
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