During a recent meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his anticipation of an upcoming meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This interaction took place at the Kremlin as part of Jaishankar’s two-day diplomatic visit to Moscow. Putin conveyed his greetings to Modi through Jaishankar and mentioned the possibility of their next meeting aligning with the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Additionally, Putin is expected to make a trip to New Delhi for the BRICS leaders’ summit scheduled for September.
Highlighting the robust trade relations between Russia and India, Putin noted the increasing volume of trade between the two nations. He emphasized Russia’s commitment to enhancing its fertiliser exports to India, indicating Moscow’s readiness to further expand these supplies. This comes amidst a broader push to strengthen economic ties and cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier in his visit, Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Their talks focused on bolstering bilateral trade and economic collaboration. Manturov pointed out that Russia is considering the localization of nuclear fuel production within India, reflecting a deepening of industrial and energy cooperation.
Jaishankar’s itinerary in Moscow also includes a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The agenda for this meeting is expected to cover a range of topics, including bilateral relations, as well as significant regional and global issues. These diplomatic engagements underscore the ongoing efforts by both nations to enhance their strategic partnership.