External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Monday, November 17 to discuss cooperation between the two countries, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Jaishankar will arrive in Moscow with an official delegation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting, scheduled for November 17-18.
“On Monday, November 17, the Russian Foreign Minister will hold talks with the Indian External Affairs Minister,” she said.
She added that both leaders will talk about the current state of their political ties and future cooperation. They will also review major bilateral issues and share views on key global and regional topics, including their work together in groups like the SCO, BRICS, the UN and G20.
Jaishankar to inaugurate two Indian Consulates in Kazan
Jaishankar is also likely to virtually open two new Indian Consulates – one in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and another in Ekaterinburg in the Urals. Both cities are becoming important centres for strengthening India’s expertise and advanced technological partnerships.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi on December 5 for the Russia-India Forum’s plenary session, Bloomberg reported, quoting event organiser Roscongress. The visit comes as India and Russia continue to build their partnership despite global tensions caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has already confirmed the trip. Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021.
Putin’s visit will be his first to India since the Ukraine war began and is likely to include talks on trade, energy cooperation and wider geopolitical coordination at a time when global dynamics are shifting.
In October, Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over the phone and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen what they called a “special and privileged strategic partnership.” The conversation showed that cooperation between the two countries remains strong in key areas like trade, energy and defence.
