India and Russia engaged in significant diplomatic discussions on Monday, with high-level meetings taking place in both New Delhi and Moscow, signaling strengthened bilateral ties ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's anticipated visit to India in December.
High-Level Security Discussions in New Delhi
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held crucial talks with Nikolay Patrushev, a key aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin and chairman of Russia's Maritime Board. The meeting, confirmed by the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, also included India's national maritime security coordinator, Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta.
The Russian Embassy shared details of the engagement on social media platform X, stating that Patrushev had arrived in India specifically for these discussions. The maritime security-focused meeting underscores the strategic importance both nations place on maritime cooperation and security coordination.
Parallel Diplomatic Engagement in Moscow
Simultaneously, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached Moscow for a fresh round of talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to the Russian foreign ministry, the negotiations were scheduled to take place in Moscow, representing another step in the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.
These discussions form part of Jaishankar's broader itinerary that includes his leadership of the Indian delegation at the SCO Council of Heads of Government gathering. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is scheduled to chair this important meeting on November 18.
The ministers are expected to review upcoming political engagements and address major bilateral, regional, and global issues. Cooperation in multilateral forums including SCO, BRICS, the United Nations, and the G20 features prominently on their agenda.
Preparing for Presidential Summit
According to Russian news agency TASS, preparations for President Putin's visit to New Delhi for the 23rd annual India-Russia summit, expected in early December, are likely to be a central topic in these conversations. Putin last visited India in 2021, and his upcoming trip holds significant importance for both nations.
The Russian President has previously directed his government to examine ways to expand trade and economic ties with India, addressing critical issues such as logistics, payment mechanisms, and the widening trade imbalance between the two countries.
This latest round of high-level meetings follows Jaishankar's earlier trip to Russia from August 19-21, during which he co-chaired the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).
During that August visit, Jaishankar conducted a comprehensive review of India-Russia bilateral relations, covering sectors including trade, economic cooperation, connectivity initiatives, political engagement, and defence cooperation. The discussions also focused on accelerating the opening of two new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
India and Russia formalized their strategic partnership in 2000 and elevated it to a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" in 2010. With multiple high-level engagements scheduled over the coming weeks, including President Putin's anticipated summit visit, the current diplomatic activities reinforce the enduring strength of India-Russia relations.
