During a recent meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his eagerness to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. This interaction took place as part of Jaishankar’s two-day visit to Moscow, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue between the two nations. Putin conveyed his greetings to Modi and expressed optimism that their next face-to-face encounter could occur during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting. Additionally, Putin is anticipated to travel to New Delhi for the BRICS leaders’ summit scheduled for September.
In his discussions, President Putin underscored the increasing trade relations between Russia and India. He noted that Russia is augmenting its fertiliser exports to India and stands ready to further expand these supplies, reflecting the strengthening economic ties between the two countries. This development highlights the importance both nations place on enhancing their trade connections as they seek to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Earlier in his visit, Jaishankar engaged in talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, focusing on bolstering bilateral trade and economic collaboration. Manturov mentioned the possibility of Russia localizing nuclear fuel production within India, which could signify a significant step in their energy partnership and an expansion of their cooperative efforts in this sector.
Jaishankar’s itinerary in Moscow also includes a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, including bilateral relations and broader regional and global issues. These talks aim to further solidify the strategic partnership between India and Russia, addressing current challenges and opportunities in the international landscape.