Jaishankar discusses Ukraine, other developments with Russian leaders
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Russia from August 19-21 to co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).
"During the visit, EAM called on President of the Russian Federation H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin and held meetings with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Denis Manturov and Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov. EAM also interacted with prominent scholars and think tanks," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
During his call on President Putin, EAM conveyed personal greetings of the Prime Minister and discussed key issues of the bilateral agenda and contemporary global issues of mutual interest, including the developments related to Ukraine.
On August 20, EAM co-chaired the 26th Session of the IRIGC-TEC with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
"It was emphasized that addressing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, removing bottlenecks in logistics, promoting connectivity, effecting payment mechanisms smoothly, timely finalization and execution of the Programme of Economic Cooperation till 2030, the early conclusion of the India-Eurasian Economic Union FTA, whose terms of reference were finalised, and regular interaction between the businesses of the two countries, were among the key elements for timely achievement of the revised bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030," the statement said.
The importance of sustaining energy cooperation through trade and investments was highlighted.
The issue of mobility of Indian skilled workers, especially in IT, construction, and engineering, was also discussed.
Following the conclusion of the Plenary Session, the Co-Chairs signed a Protocol for the 26th Session of IRIGC-TEC.
EAM and Manturov spoke at the India-Russia Business Forum which followed the IRIGC-TEC meetings.
The Forum saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders including officials as well as representatives from businesses and industries from both sides. It was considered to have a coordination mechanism between the Business Forum and the different Working Groups of the IRIGC.
On August 21, EAM met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of India–Russia bilateral relations, including in sectors like trade and economic cooperation, various connectivity initiatives, political, defence and military-technical cooperation, fast-tracking of opening of two new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg, etc. On global and multilateral cooperation, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to reform of global governance, and collaboration in G20, BRICS and the SCO. EAM underlined the imperative to expand and energize the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities.
Regional developments such as those in Ukraine, Middle East, West Asia and Afghanistan were discussed. EAM reiterated India’s approach to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy as essential to resolving differences. EAM also raised the issue of Indians serving in the Russian Army and hoped for an expeditious resolution of the pending cases.
On terrorism, both sides resolved to fight jointly against all forms and manifestations of terrorism. EAM conveyed India’s strong resolve to adopt a zero‑tolerance policy against terrorism and its sovereign right to defend Indian citizens against cross-border terrorism.
