Jaishankar wraps up Russia visit, discusses Ukraine with Putin

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed key issues of the bilateral agenda between the two nations, and contemporary global issues of mutual interest, including the developments related to Ukraine.

During his meeting with the Russian President at the Kremlin on Thursday, Dr Jaishankar conveyed personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

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Jaishankar visited Russia from August 19-21 to co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

The External Affairs Minister’s three-day visit to Russia, which concluded on Thursday, was held amid escalating trade tensions between India and the United States over India’s oil purchases from Russia. US President Donald Trump recently increased tariffs imposed on Indian goods to 50 per cent, in what is seen as a sign of his frustration over failing to stop the Russia-Ukraine war.

Concluding an important three-day visit to Russia, the External Affairs Minister reaffirmed the strength and depth of the India-Russia strategic partnership.

During the three-day visit, the External Affairs Minister called on Russian President Vladimir Putin and held meetings with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov.

Jaishankar also interacted with prominent scholars and think tanks.

On August 20, the External Affairs Minister co-chaired the 26th Session of the IRIGC-TEC with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. It was emphasised that addressing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, removing bottlenecks in logistics, promoting connectivity, effecting payment mechanisms smoothly, timely finalisation and execution of the Programme of Economic Cooperation till 2030, the early conclusion of the India-Eurasian Economic Union FTA, whose terms of reference were finalised, and regular interaction between the businesses of the two countries, were among the key elements for timely achievement of the revised bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.

The importance of sustaining energy cooperation through trade and investments was highlighted. The issue of mobility of Indian skilled workers, especially in IT, construction, and engineering, was also discussed. Following the conclusion of the Plenary Session, the Co-Chairs signed a Protocol for the 26th Session of IRIGC-TEC.

Jaishankar and Manturov spoke at the India-Russia Business Forum, which followed the IRIGC-TEC meetings. The Forum saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including officials as well as representatives from businesses and industries from both sides. It was considered to have a coordination mechanism between the Business Forum and the different Working Groups of the IRIGC.

On August 21, the External Affairs Minister met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of India–Russia bilateral relations, including in sectors like trade and economic cooperation, various connectivity initiatives, political, defence, and military-technical cooperation, fast-tracking of opening of two new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg, etc.

“On global and multilateral cooperation, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to reform of global governance, and collaboration in G20, BRICS, and the SCO,” the MEA said in a statement.

Jaishankar underlined the imperative to expand and energise the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities.

”Regional developments such as those in Ukraine, the Middle East, West Asia, and Afghanistan were discussed,” the statement added.

The External Affairs Minister reiterated India’s approach to emphasise dialogue and diplomacy as essential to resolving differences. He also raised the issue of Indians serving in the Russian Army and hoped for an expeditious resolution of the pending cases.

On terrorism, both sides resolved to fight jointly against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.

Jaishankar conveyed India’s strong resolve to adopt a zero‑tolerance policy against terrorism and its sovereign right to defend Indian citizens against cross-border terrorism.

Both sides discussed preparations for the forthcoming Annual Summit between the leaders, including its key deliverables and outcomes.

The External Affairs Minister invited Lavrov to pay a visit to India at a mutually convenient date to continue their dialogue.