Jaishankar in Moscow Raises Issue of Indians in Russian Army
EAM S Jaishankar called on Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin today! (Image X.com)
Jaishankar, Lavrov Reaffirm Steady India–Russia Ties; Trade, Energy, Defence, Connectivity in Focus
By TRH Global Affairs Desk
NEW DELHI, August 21, 2025 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held wide-ranging talks in Moscow, reaffirming the enduring strength of the India–Russia strategic partnership that spans trade, defence, energy, connectivity, and global cooperation. Jaishankar also called on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.
Addressing a joint press conference, Jaishankar described bilateral ties as among the “steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War,” driven by geopolitical convergence, leadership-level contacts, and deep popular sentiment.
On economic ties, Jaishankar emphasized correcting the trade imbalance by boosting Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles, while sustaining cooperation in fertilizers and energy. He highlighted the potential of Indian skilled workers in IT, construction, and engineering to meet Russian labour demands and deepen collaboration.
Connectivity was a major theme, with both sides backing the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor, and cooperation on the Northern Sea Route to cut transit times and expand Eurasian trade links.
On defence cooperation, Jaishankar said Russia continues to support India’s ‘Make in India’ goals through joint production and technology transfer, underscoring the robustness of military-technical collaboration.
The Indian minister also pressed for a swift resolution of cases involving Indians serving in the Russian Army, noting that while some have been released, pending and missing persons’ cases remain.
Two new Indian consulates — in Kazan and Yekaterinburg — will be expedited to enhance regional outreach and people-to-people contacts.
On global issues, India and Russia reaffirmed support for UN Security Council reform, multipolarity, and closer coordination in BRICS, SCO, and G20. Both sides stressed dialogue and diplomacy to address crises in Ukraine, West Asia, and Afghanistan. On terrorism, Jaishankar underlined India’s zero-tolerance policy against cross-border terrorism.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov called India a “privileged strategic partner” in a multipolar world, emphasizing cooperation through global platforms. Russian President Vladimir Putin also met Jaishankar at the Kremlin, along with senior ministers and officials, underlining the significance Moscow attaches to the partnership.
Jaishankar concluded by inviting Lavrov to visit India for the next round of dialogue, saying the partnership would continue to be nurtured in the spirit that has defined it for decades.
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