EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Russian counterpart Lavrov ahead of 23rd India-Russia summit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday, discussing the broad spectrum of India-Russia bilateral cooperation and reviewing preparations for the 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit, which will coincide with President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.

In a post on X, Jaishankar described the meeting as “an opportunity to discuss trade and investment, energy, mobility, agriculture, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges” while also exchanging perspectives on regional, global, and multilateral issues.

Jaishankar highlighted that India-Russia relations have long been a stabilising factor in international affairs and that their continued growth benefits not only both countries but also the broader global community. He noted that several bilateral agreements, initiatives, and projects across multiple sectors are under discussion and expected to be finalised soon, adding “more substance and texture” to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

The discussions also touched on complex international issues, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, and developments in Afghanistan. Jaishankar emphasised India’s support for recent efforts aimed at establishing peace, underlining the need for all parties to approach the process constructively. “An early cessation of conflict and the securing of enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community,” he said.

This meeting marked one of several interactions between the two foreign ministers this year, reflecting the depth of engagement between India and Russia. Jaishankar noted that these regular discussions have been instrumental in advancing bilateral cooperation while also providing a platform to share views on significant regional and global developments.

Jaishankar is currently in Moscow to lead the Indian delegation at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, hosted by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on November 18. The summit and the preparatory talks signal both countries’ intent to strengthen strategic, economic, and cultural ties while collaborating on global peace and stability initiatives.