Moscow: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday during his two-day visit to Moscow, with bilateral relations and global developments on the agenda.

The meeting came after Jaishankar held talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

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During his meeting with Putin, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and handed over a personal communication from him.

Jaishankar said the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission had produced a positive assessment of bilateral economic cooperation, which has grown significantly.

He highlighted trade, energy, fertilisers and nuclear cooperation among the key areas of engagement.

He also conveyed Modi’s plans for future meetings with Putin, including at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

“Prime Minister Modi looks forward to meeting you at the SCO Summit, then welcoming you to India for the BRICS Summit, and, in due course, as per your mutual convenience, having the annual summit,” Jaishankar said.

 

Trade and economic cooperation in focus

Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar and Manturov reviewed the India-Russia partnership and discussed ways to further strengthen trade and economic cooperation.

Speaking at an event co-chaired with Manturov, Jaishankar described the bilateral relationship as resilient despite a complex global environment.

“The India-Russia partnership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability,” he said.

He added that continued engagement reflected the “mutual interest and confidence” underpinning the partnership.

Putin’s expected India visit

Jaishankar’s Moscow visit comes ahead of Putin’s expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS leaders’ summit on September 12 and 13.

The proposed visit could provide another opportunity for Modi and Putin to discuss bilateral cooperation and wider international developments.

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Lavrov meeting also on agenda

Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to exchange views on regional and global issues.

The two ministers last met in Manila on July 22 on the sidelines of ASEAN-related ministerial meetings. They discussed bilateral relations, the Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia.

Jaishankar had also raised India’s concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in the region during that meeting.