Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Moscow on December 27.
In the meeting, President Putin expressed his eagerness to welcome Prime Minister Modi to Russia, highlighting the opportunity to discuss current issues and explore the prospects for the development of Russian-Indian relations. He acknowledged India’s domestic political calendar, particularly the upcoming general elections, expressing hope for the enduring friendship between the peoples of both nations.
The Russian leader acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, stating, “I have repeatedly informed him about the situation surrounding this conflict. I know his desire to do everything to resolve this problem through peaceful means.”
As reported previously, PM Modi, during his meeting with him on the sidelines of Samarkand SCO summit in 2022 told him that this a not “an era of war”, a phrase that was repeated by other world leaders as well. This commitment to peaceful resolutions was reaffirmed in detailed discussions between President Putin and Minister Jaishankar, highlighting India’s diplomatic efforts.
Economically, Putin emphasized the sustained growth in trade turnover between Russia and India, with a notable increase this year. This positive trajectory is attributed to various sectors, including energy resources like oil, petroleum products, and coal. Putin expressed contentment, noting, “We are very pleased to note that despite all the turbulence that is happening in the world, relations with our traditional friends in Asia, with India, with the Indian people are developing progressively.”
Representatives from the Indian delegation, including MEA’s Joint Secretary Charanjeet Singh and Indian Envoy to Russia Pavan Kapoor, participated actively in the discussions. On the Russian side, the presence of key figures such as Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, Trade Minister Denis Manturov, and Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov solidified the engagement’s significance.
The ongoing five-day visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to Russia signifies a continued dialogue, addressing not only bilateral concerns but also contributing to the broader diplomatic narrative. The rarity of President Putin meeting ministers, with exceptions made for Indian counterparts in recent years, further accentuates the strategic importance Russia places on its relations with India.
Meeting with Sergey Lavrov
Earlier today, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar engaged in a comprehensive discussion with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, covering a diverse array of global issues. Their talks covered topics ranging from the Indo-Pacific and the Ukraine conflict to the situation in Gaza.
The two also explored the advancements made in economic cooperation, connectivity initiatives, military-technical collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges. Jaishankar underscored the nuanced nature of ties between India and Russia, shaped by geopolitical realities, strategic alignment, and mutual advantages.
In a post shared on platform X, Jaishankar expressed, “Had an extensive and beneficial discussion with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. As strategic partners, we explored the international landscape and contemporary issues, exchanging perspectives on Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine conflict, Gaza, Afghanistan, Central Asia, BRICS, SCO, G20, and the UN. Acknowledged progress in economic cooperation, energy trade, connectivity efforts, military-technical collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges. Finalized a Consultations Protocol for the period 2024-28. India-Russia relations mirror geopolitical realities, strategic alignment, and mutual gains.”
Post their meeting, Jaishankar and Lavrov jointly addressed the media, with Jaishankar commending the current state of India-Russia trade, which has reached an all-time high.
Free Trade Agreement
He elaborated on the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, a union comprising five post-Soviet states in Eurasia. Jaishankar highlighted the stability and strength characterizing the India-Russia relationship, rooted in strategic alignment on geopolitical matters and mutual benefit.
Bilateral Trade
Delving into bilateral cooperation, Jaishankar lauded the record-breaking India-Russia trade that surpassed $50 billion last year. He emphasized the importance of fostering balanced, sustainable trade that facilitates increased market access.
Jaishankar portrayed Russia as India’s “valued and time-tested” partner, highlighting the substantial benefits across various sectors, including trade, investment, and military-technical cooperation.
Responding to a query about India-Russia ties, the minister reiterated Russia’s valued status as a long-standing partner, citing the substantial mutual benefits derived from their robust relationship.
Meanwhile, Sergey Lavrov expressed Russia’s willingness to support India’s initiative to produce military products as part of the ‘Made In India’ program. Lavrov said he and Jaishankar during the meeting took a number of steps that will expand cooperation between India and Russia, including the launch of the North-South International Transport Corridor as well as establishment of the Chennai Vladivostok route.
During the joint press conference, Lavrov said, “We have also discussed the prospects of military and technical cooperation, including the joint production of modern weaponry. We also have specific steps in the area. Our cooperation is of strategic nature, strengthening it corresponds to the national interests of states, the interests of Security in the Eurasian continent.”
“As mentioned before, we are respectful of the aspiration of our Indian colleagues to diversify their military and technical links. We also understand and hence we are ready to support their initiative to produce military products as part of the ‘Made in India’ program. We stand ready to cooperate in this area. We have reaffirmed our aspiration to strengthen energy cooperation,” he added.
Lavrov said he and Jaishankar agreed to expand legal framework of India-Russia relations, in particular to accelerate the adoption of the agreement on the mutual protection of investment.
“Today we have taken a number of steps that would allow us to expand cooperation including in the upcoming launch of the North-South International Transport Corridor as well as establishment of the Chennai Vladivostok route and the cooperation on the expansion of the Northern Sea Route which is a very promising area,” Lavrov said.
“We have also agreed to expand the legal framework of our relationship in particular to accelerate the adoption of the agreement on the mutual protection of investment and another important document, namely the upcoming agreement on the free trade area between India and the Eurasian Economic Union,” he added.