External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stressed that India-Russia ties have long been a factor of stability in international relations and their growth and evolution are not only in the mutual interest of the two countries but also in the interest of the world.
The external affairs minister met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday and held discussions on the bilateral partnership between the two nations, encompassing trade and people-to-people exchanges.
Jaishankar also reviewed the preparations for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit.
In a post on X, the external affairs minister said, “Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov today in Moscow. Held discussions on our bilateral partnership covering trade and investment, energy, mobility, agriculture, technology, culture and people to people exchanges. Exchanged perspectives on regional, global and multilateral issues. Reviewed preparations for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit.”
In his opening remarks during a meeting with Lavrov, Jaishankar said several bilateral agreements, initiatives, and projects are under discussion in various fields between India and Russia. “I welcome this opportunity to meet again and our regular interactions — you mentioned six this year so far — have been greatly helpful in advancing our bilateral cooperation and also sharing perspectives on important regional, global and multilateral issues. This particular occasion, for me, is all the more important as we prepare for President Putin’s visit to India for the 23rd Annual Summit,” he observed.
“A number of bilateral agreements, initiatives and projects are under discussion in various fields. We look forward to their finalization in the coming days. These will certainly add more substance and texture to our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” he added.
Jaishankar said the two nations would also be exchanging views on the complex global situation “with the openness that has always characterized our ties”.
“This includes the Ukraine conflict, as also the Middle East and Afghanistan amongst others. India supports recent efforts towards establishing peace. We hope that all parties approach that goal constructively. An early cessation of the conflict and the ensuring of an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community,” the external affairs minister said.