External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow and held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral cooperation, as both sides reviewed preparations for the upcoming 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said that the talks covered trade and investment, energy, mobility, agriculture, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges. He added that the two ministers also exchanged views on key regional and global developments.
During his opening remarks at the meeting, Jaishankar underlined the importance of India-Russia relations, noting that their “growth and evolution are not only in our mutual interest but also in that of the world.”
He said that the two countries’ regular high-level engagements – six meetings already this year – had helped deepen cooperation across sectors and enhance mutual understanding on international issues. With President Vladimir Putin expected to visit India for the 23rd Annual Summit, Jaishankar said several bilateral agreements and initiatives were in advanced stages of discussion.
“These will certainly add more substance and texture to our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” he said.
Jaishankar also said the talks would include an open exchange of perspectives on the “complex global situation,” including the Ukraine conflict, developments in the Middle East and the situation in Afghanistan. India, he noted, supports ongoing efforts to establish peace and hopes all sides will approach this goal constructively. “An early cessation of the conflict and the ensuring of an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community,” he said.
Reaffirming the long-standing nature of the relationship, Jaishankar said, “India-Russia ties have long been a factor of stability in international relations,” expressing confidence that the partnership will continue to serve both nations and contribute positively to global stability.
Jaishankar is in Moscow leading the Indian delegation for the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, scheduled to be hosted by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on November 18.