External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, August 21, during his three-day visit to Moscow, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Russia.
Earlier, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focusing on trade, energy cooperation, and connectivity. He highlighted the need to address the growing trade imbalance, which has widened due to India’s rising crude oil imports from Russia.
India and Russia agreed to explore new avenues in energy, logistics, and connectivity, including projects in the Russian Far East and Arctic. Moscow assured New Delhi of continued oil supplies, despite international sanctions, through a “special system” to navigate restrictions.
The visit also includes Jaishankar co-chairing the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission and addressing the India–Russia Business Forum, aimed at expanding economic and cultural cooperation.
Officials said the meetings reaffirmed the “time-tested partnership” between the two nations, with both sides stressing the importance of stable and balanced economic ties.
