Concluding a three-day visit to Russia, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed the strength and depth of the India-Russia strategic partnership. He co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) and held high-level meetings with Russian leadership.
From August 19 to 21, EAM Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and also engaged with Russian scholars and think tanks.
During his Moscow visit from August 19 to 21, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed the depth of the India-Russia strategic partnership through high-level engagements with President Vladimir Putin, Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as well as discussions with scholars and think tanks.
In a meeting with President Putin, Dr. Jaishankar conveyed the Prime Minister’s personal greetings and discussed key bilateral and global issues, including developments in Ukraine, the MEA said in a press release.
On August 20, EAM Jaishankar co-chaired the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Deputy PM Manturov. Both sides emphasized:
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Addressing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers
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Improving logistics and payment mechanisms
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Promoting connectivity and finalizing the Programme of Economic Cooperation till 2030
The early conclusion of the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement and closer coordination between Indian and Russian businesses were highlighted as vital to reaching a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030. Energy cooperation and mobility of Indian skilled professionals in IT, construction, and engineering were also discussed. The session concluded with the signing of the Protocol for the 26th IRIGC-TEC.
Both leaders later addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, underlining coordination between the Forum and IRIGC Working Groups.
On August 21, Dr. Jaishankar held talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reviewing the full spectrum of India-Russia relations, including trade, connectivity, defense, military-technical cooperation, and the fast-tracking of new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. They reaffirmed commitments to multilateralism, including G20, BRICS, and SCO, and stressed the need for UN Security Council reforms.
Regional issues such as Ukraine, the Middle East, West Asia, and Afghanistan were also discussed. Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance on dialogue and diplomacy, raised concerns about Indians serving in the Russian Army, and urged swift resolution of pending cases.
On counter-terrorism, both nations resolved to jointly combat all forms of terrorism, with EAM emphasizing India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and the sovereign right to defend its citizens.
The visit concluded with discussions on preparations for the upcoming Annual India-Russia Summit, and Dr. Jaishankar extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Lavrov to visit India at a mutually convenient time. (Agencies)
