What Did EAM Jaishankar Discuss During His Key Moscow Visit?

Strengthening India-Russia Ties

Moscow: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar wrapped up a pivotal three-day trip to Russia, where he reinforced the robust 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 engaged in high-level discussions with Russian officials.

From August 19 to 21, Jaishankar met with key figures including President Vladimir Putin, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, along with interactions with Russian scholars and think tanks.

In his meeting with President Putin, Dr. Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Modi's personal greetings and deliberated on significant bilateral topics and pressing global issues, including the situation in Ukraine, as stated in a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs.

On August 20, during the IRIGC-TEC session with Deputy PM Manturov, both parties highlighted the necessity to tackle tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, enhance logistics, improve connectivity, streamline payment processes, and finalize the Economic Cooperation Programme through 2030.

The urgency of concluding the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement and fostering regular business interactions between Indian and Russian enterprises was emphasized to meet the revised bilateral trade goal of $100 billion by 2030.

Discussions also covered energy collaboration and the mobility of Indian professionals in sectors like IT, construction, and engineering. The session culminated in the signing of the Protocol for the 26th IRIGC-TEC.

Later, both leaders participated in the India-Russia Business Forum, which attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, stressing the importance of coordination between the Forum and Working Groups under the IRIGC.

On August 21, Jaishankar held discussions with Foreign Minister Lavrov, conducting a thorough review of the extensive India-Russia bilateral relations, including trade, connectivity, defense, military-technical cooperation, and expediting the establishment of new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.

Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to global multilateralism, collaborating within frameworks like G20, BRICS, and SCO, and jointly advocated for reforms in the UN Security Council.

Jaishankar emphasized the need to revitalize the UN Security Council to reflect current global realities, as noted in the release.

Regional matters, including Ukraine, the Middle East, West Asia, and Afghanistan, were also on the agenda.

Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy while expressing concerns regarding Indians serving in the Russian Army, urging for the prompt resolution of outstanding cases.

On counter-terrorism, both countries committed to a united front against all forms of terrorism. Jaishankar reiterated India's firm stance, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and the sovereign right to protect its citizens from cross-border threats.

The visit concluded with discussions on preparations for the forthcoming Annual Summit between Indian and Russian leaders, with Jaishankar inviting Lavrov to visit India at a mutually agreeable time.