During a key diplomatic engagement at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and expressed his anticipation of meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. Putin conveyed his regards to Modi through Jaishankar, suggesting that their next encounter could coincide with an event under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Notably, Putin is also slated to attend the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi this coming September.
As discussions unfolded, Putin emphasized the strengthening trade relations between Russia and India, highlighting a significant increase in Russian fertilizer exports to India, with a readiness to expand these supplies further. This burgeoning economic partnership was a focal point of Jaishankar’s visit, as he engaged in talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, aiming to bolster bilateral trade and economic ties.
In their discussions, Manturov mentioned the potential for Russia to localize nuclear fuel production within India, an indication of deepening cooperation between the two nations in strategic sectors. These dialogues underscore a mutual interest in expanding economic collaboration, which has been a cornerstone of Indo-Russian relations.
Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow included a scheduled meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Their discussions are expected to cover a range of issues, including bilateral relations and the broader landscape of regional and global developments. This visit underscores the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between India and Russia amidst shifting global dynamics.