India, Russia to Boost Strategic Partnership as Ministers Prep for Upcoming India-Russia Summit

The diplomatic ground is being prepared for a significant event in New Delhi next month, as India and Russia work to iron out the details of upcoming bilateral agreements. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is currently in Moscow, where he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to set the agenda for the highly anticipated 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit.

This meeting marks the sixth interaction between the two foreign ministers this year alone, highlighting the intensity of diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The primary objective of Jaishankar’s visit is to ensure that substantial agreements—particularly in the sectors of defence, trade, and mobility—are ready for signing when Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India. While an official date has not been released, sources suggest President Putin is likely to arrive in the first week of the coming month.

During their discussions, Jaishankar emphasized the resilience and transparency that define the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. He noted that regular dialogue has been instrumental in navigating a "complex global situation." The talks covered pressing international issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the volatile situation in West Asia (the Middle East), and developments in Afghanistan.

The preparation for the India-Russia Summit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical pressure. The United States has recently signaled concerns regarding India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Following a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump alluded to trade discussions involving tariffs and energy imports. Despite this external pressure, New Delhi has maintained a firm stance, asserting that its energy procurement policies are driven solely by the need to protect Indian consumers from volatile global prices.

Addressing the conflict in Europe, Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to peace. He stated that India supports constructive efforts to end hostilities, emphasizing that a return to enduring peace is beneficial for the entire international community.

Beyond the bilateral agenda, the Foreign Minister is also in Moscow to head the Indian delegation for the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), scheduled for Tuesday. In a parallel diplomatic move, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently met with Putin’s aide, Nikolay Patrushev, in Delhi, further cementing the security dialogue between the two strategic partners. Jaishankar concluded that the steady growth of India-Russia ties remains a stabilizing factor in global relations.

Image source: The daily Jagran