India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, commenced a significant three-day official visit to Russia on Monday, arriving in Moscow to a packed diplomatic schedule. His agenda is twofold: to represent India at a key Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting and to lay the groundwork for President Vladimir Putin's anticipated trip to New Delhi in early December.
High-Level Talks with Russian Counterpart
Upon his arrival, Dr. Jaishankar immediately engaged in substantive discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The talks, as reported by state-run TASS, covered a wide spectrum of bilateral, regional, and global issues. The ministers delved into cooperation within major multilateral forums, including the SCO, BRICS, the United Nations, and the G20.
Addressing the complex international landscape, Jaishankar stated, "We will also be exchanging views on the complex global situation with the openness that has always characterised our ties." He confirmed that these discussions would encompass the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East, and Afghanistan. Reiterating India's consistent position, he expressed support for recent peace efforts and voiced hope for a constructive approach from all sides to achieve an early end to the hostilities.
Paving the Way for the Annual Summit
A central focus of the visit is the preparation for the upcoming 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, scheduled around December 5, which will see President Putin travel to India. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of his current trip in this context, noting that a number of bilateral agreements, initiatives, and projects across various fields are under discussion.
"We look forward to their finalisation in the coming days," he said, adding that this would add more substance and texture to our special and privileged strategic partnership. The two ministers conducted a thorough review of the progress on these agreements, aiming to finalise them in time for the summit. President Putin's last visit to New Delhi was in 2021, and this year's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to significantly strengthen the unique partnership between the two nations.
India's Stance on Global Stability
Dr. Jaishankar took the opportunity to reiterate India's principled stance on the Ukraine conflict, emphasising the global interest in a peaceful resolution. "An early cessation of the conflict and ensuring of an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community," he asserted.
He further underscored the stabilising role of the India-Russia relationship on the world stage, stating that its growth and evolution are not only in the mutual interest of both countries but also beneficial for the world at large. With Russia remaining one of India's most longstanding and trusted partners, officials from both sides are anticipating substantial outcomes from President Putin's forthcoming visit, which is poised to add further depth and resilience to the strategic relationship.
On Tuesday, Dr. Jaishankar is set to represent Prime Minister Modi at the SCO meeting of the Council of Heads of Government, an event that President Putin is also likely to address.
