External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday during his two-day visit to Russia, carrying greetings and a personal message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The meeting comes at an important time for India-Russia relations, with both countries looking to expand cooperation in trade, energy, fertilisers, nuclear projects and other economic sectors.
Jaishankar, who reached Moscow on Sunday, discussed bilateral ties as well as major regional and global developments with Putin.
During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the growing scope of economic cooperation between the two countries.
“I think our economic cooperation, trade, energy, fertilizers, nuclear, and other dimensions as well, I’d be pleased to speak about them in detail. Overall, I think our economic cooperation has grown very significantly,” Jaishankar told Putin.
He also briefed the Russian president about the outcome of the recent meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission.
Modi Looks Forward To Meeting Putin
Jaishankar conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking forward to meeting Putin at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
He also said Modi would welcome Putin to India for the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
“Prime Minister Modi looks forward to meeting you at the SCO Summit, then welcoming you to India for the BRICS Summit,” Jaishankar said.
He added that the two leaders would subsequently hold their annual summit at a mutually convenient time.
“So we have a very strong picture of cooperation to present,” Jaishankar said.
Putin’s expected visit to India for the BRICS summit gives added significance to Jaishankar’s Moscow trip, particularly as New Delhi and Moscow seek to strengthen economic engagement despite a complicated global environment.
Jaishankar Meets Russian Deputy PM
Before meeting Putin, Jaishankar held discussions with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The two sides reviewed the broader India-Russia partnership and discussed ways to deepen economic engagement.
“The India-Russia partnership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability,” Jaishankar said.
He further stressed that cooperation between the two countries had continued to expand despite the difficult international situation.
“Even amidst a complex international landscape, our engagement has continued to deepen, reflecting the mutual interest and confidence that define our bilateral partnership,” he said.
Jaishankar-Lavrov Meeting Also On Agenda
During his Moscow visit, Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The two ministers are expected to discuss bilateral relations along with major regional and international developments.
Jaishankar and Lavrov had last met in Manila on July 22 on the sidelines of ASEAN-related ministerial meetings. Their discussions covered India-Russia ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in West Asia.
Jaishankar had also raised India’s concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in the region during that meeting.
The latest Moscow visit is therefore being closely watched as India and Russia prepare for a series of high-level engagements, including the upcoming SCO and BRICS summits.
