MOSCOW– India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday during his official visit to Moscow, a key step in preparing the ground for the upcoming annual summit between the two countries’ leaders.
According to the Kremlin, the meeting was also attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who co-chairs the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission, and India’s Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with Lavrov, covering trade, investment, energy, fertilizers, health, skills development, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. The two ministers also exchanged views on international hotspots, including Ukraine, Europe, Iran, West Asia, Afghanistan, and the Indian subcontinent.
“Pleased to meet FM Sergei Lavrov today in Moscow. Had a detailed discussion on our bilateral ties… We also spoke about cooperation in the UN, G20, SCO and BRICS. Our meeting helped prepare the outcomes and decisions for the Annual Summit later this year,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the discussions emphasized strengthening the multipolar framework of global politics and assisting Global South countries in defending sovereignty. Both sides highlighted the importance of building sustainable transport and financial systems, expanding nuclear energy and hydrocarbon partnerships, and deepening political contacts.
Lavrov welcomed Jaishankar, noting that India and Russia regard each other as “especially privileged strategic partners.” He said the partnership has proven its value in practical terms and underscored that SCO, BRICS, and the G20 are becoming critical platforms in shaping a multipolar world order.
“Russia is always ready for dialogue and compromise within the UN and with all centers of power in the multipolar system,” Lavrov said.
Jaishankar expressed confidence that his talks in Moscow would make the upcoming Modi-Putin summit “as outcome-oriented as possible.” He also praised earlier discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, noting that several bilateral issues had been addressed and solutions found through the Intergovernmental Commission.
“Our leaders met in July last year and thereafter in Kazan. Now we prepare for the annual summit at the end of this year, guided by their vision to advance our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” Jaishankar said.
The visit reflects both sides’ commitment to maintaining momentum in their long-standing partnership, even as global geopolitical shifts continue to reshape alliances and rivalries. (Source: IANS)
