External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday during a meeting of heads of SCO delegations. The meeting took place ahead of the upcoming Annual India-Russia Summit, which is set to take place in early December during Putin’s much-anticipated visit to India.
Sharing an update on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote, “Honoured to call on President Putin of Russia in Moscow today. Conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised him of preparations underway for the upcoming Annual India-Russia Summit. Also discussed regional and global developments. Deeply value his perspectives and guidance on further advancement of our ties.”
The visuals released by the Kremlin showed Putin welcoming Jaishankar, who was joined by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar and Joint Secretary Mayank Singh.
Several senior Russian officials were also present at the meeting, including Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.
Engagements with global leaders on sidelines
On the sidelines of the event, Jaishankar had short conversations with Mongolia’s Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He also expressed his gratitude to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin for hosting the summit.
The 24th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting took place in Moscow on 17–18 November, with all 10 member countries, including India, taking part.
Putin’s aide meets PM Modi in New Delhi
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Putin’s top aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to talk about different areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Multiple agreements, projects under discussion
On Monday, during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar said that India and Russia have shared a stable and reliable relationship for many years. He added that the growth of their partnership benefits not just both countries but also the larger world.
Jaishankar mentioned that both nations are discussing several agreements, projects and initiatives across different sectors.
“I welcome this opportunity to meet again and our regular interactions – you mentioned six this year so far – have been greatly helpful in advancing our bilateral cooperation and also sharing perspectives on important regional, global and multilateral issues,” he said.
Adding to it, Jaishankar said, “This particular occasion, for me, is all the more important as we prepare for President Putin’s visit to India for the 23rd Annual Summit.”
He also said that India and Russia will exchange views on major global issues “with the openness that has always characterised our ties”.