AMN / NEWS DESK
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Monday, placing a strong emphasis on expanding economic cooperation, bilateral trade, and energy partnerships as both nations work toward a 100-billion-dollar trade target by 2030.
Accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Joint Secretary (ERS) Mayank Singh, Dr Jaishankar conveyed personal greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed robust avenues for mutual growth. Earlier in the day, Dr Jaishankar co-chaired the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation alongside Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, reviewing crucial mechanisms to remove tariff barriers, enhance payment frameworks, and boost direct business-to-business engagement.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr S Jaishankar highlighted the strong and growing India-Russia partnership, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, trade and energy. He conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and handed over a personal message from Mr Modi. Dr Jaishankar said, the two sides held a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission earlier in the day and described the outcome as positive. He said, ties between India and Russia have grown significantly across several sectors, including trade, energy, fertilizers and nuclear cooperation.
The External Affairs Minister also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks forward to meeting the Russian President at the SCO Summit in Bishkek and welcoming him to India for the BRICS Summit. He added that the two leaders are expected to hold their annual summit at a mutually convenient time. Dr Jaishankar said the developments reflect a strong picture of cooperation between India and Russia.
Speaking during a meeting, Russian President Putin offered to increase fertilizer supplies to India, saying Moscow is taking steps to support Indian farmers and the country’s agricultural sector. He also highlighted the growth in trade between Russia and India this year. The Russian President credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the growing partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. He said, External Affairs Minister’s visit underscores the level of relations that has been established between Russia and India for decades.
He said the two countries are cooperating in practically all areas, reflecting the broad and expanding nature of their bilateral partnership.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister along with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov co-chaired a meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation in Moscow.
Speaking at an event, Dr Jaishankar said, the India-Russia partnership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. He said, even amid a complex international landscape, bilateral engagement has continued to deepen, reflecting the mutual interests and confidence that underpin the partnership.
The Minister highlighted key areas that need to be addressed to achieve the 100-billion-dollar bilateral trade target by 2030, including progress on market access, the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening payment mechanisms, and greater business-to-business engagement.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation and reviewed the India-Russia partnership.
Dr Jaishankar reached Moscow yesterday on a two-day visit to Russia. During his visit, the External Affairs Minister is also scheduled to meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to exchange views on regional and global issues.