Moscow. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and is understood to have discussed ways to further extend India-Russia relations. The meeting was held by Jaishankar a few hours after a comprehensive dialogue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavarov, which focused on increasing trade relations between the two countries.
S Jaishankar wrote in his X post, “I felt honored by meeting President Putin in Kremlin today. I sent heartfelt greetings to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I appreciate sharing their views about the recent developments. ”
According to the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two leaders emphasized the need to strengthen the international system and cooperate to the countries of Global South in protecting their political sovereignty. He also discussed further to further political interactions, to deepen trade and economic cooperation, strengthen sustainable transport and logistic series and financial channels and expand the partnership in peaceful nuclear power and hydrocarbon production.
Jaishankar said in a joint press conference with Lavarov, “We believe that relations between India and Russia have been one of the most prominent relations in the world after World War II.” He said, “Geophysical coordination, contact and popular spirit among the leadership remain its main motivational elements.”
The Foreign Minister reached Moscow on Tuesday, so that various aspects of President Putin’s visit to India could be finalized in November or December. In their conversation, Jaishankar and Lavarov also discussed ways to deal with terrorism. Jaishankar said, “On the issue of terror, we resolved to fight jointly against all forms and expressions of terrorism.”
He said, “I made India aware of India’s determination to adopt terrorism and our sovereign rights to protect my citizens from cross -border terrorism.” Jaishankar’s comments showed that the main center of his conversation is to promote bilateral trade. The Foreign Minister said, “We confirmed our shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including increasing India’s exports.”
He said, “For this, there is a need to remove non-fee obstacles and regulatory obstacles immediately. Increasing Indian exports to Russia in areas such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and textiles will definitely help remove the current imbalance.” Jaishankar said, “Steps were also taken to ensure long -term supply of fertilizers. Indian skilled workers, especially in IT, construction and engineering sector, can meet Russia’s labor requirements and deepen cooperation.” He said that it is also important to maintain energy cooperation through trade and investment.
The Foreign Minister also raised the issue of some Indians serving in the Russian army. He said, “Although many people have been released, some cases are pending and some are missing. We hope that the Russian side will resolve these matters quickly.” At the meeting, Jaishankar and Lavarov confirmed the shared commitment of India and Russia to improve global rule. Both sides also discussed the situation in Ukraine, West Asia and Afghanistan.
Jaishankar said, “I want to say that India’s approach considers dialogue and diplomacy necessary to resolve differences.” Earlier, Jaishankar said in his address, “Today’s meeting has given us an opportunity to not only discuss our political relations, but also to review our bilateral relations. Therefore, I hope to exchange ideas on politics, business, economic investment, defense, science and technology and of course contact between people.”
He said, “Our leaders met for the 22nd annual summit in July last year, and then met in Kazan. Now we are preparing for the annual summit to be held at the end of the year. They have always guided us to carry forward our special and privileged strategic partnership.”
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, both sides will pay special attention to the current and future opportunities to promote bilateral cooperation during the meeting. The ministry said, “The agenda of the meeting will be focused on transportation, decorations, banking and facilitating financial interactions and chains that will be free from any adverse pressure of Barry countries, as well as to increase the use of national currencies in mutual agreements.”
It said that increasing cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, agriculture, science and technology will also be on the agenda. This visit of Jaishankar is taking place at a time when there has been tension in Indo-US relations after US President Donald Trump doubles tariffs (fees) on Indian goods have been doubled to 50 percent. This tariff also includes an additional fee of 25 percent on purchasing Russian crude oil.
