Jaishankar-Putin Meet: India-Russia Economic Partnership Sees ‘Significant’ Growth

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, as India and Russia discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and a range of international issues.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Moscow on Sunday for a two-day visit, conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to Putin and delivered a personal message from the Indian leader.

During the meeting, Jaishankar said the two countries had made substantial progress in economic cooperation. He highlighted growing engagement in trade, energy, fertilisers, nuclear cooperation and other sectors.

Jaishankar said India had a strong record of cooperation to present and noted that Modi was looking forward to meeting Putin at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. He added that Modi would welcome the Russian president to India for the BRICS Summit and that the two leaders would hold their annual summit at a mutually convenient time.

PUTIN FLAGS GROWING TRADE

Putin told Jaishankar that trade between Russia and India had increased this year, while also highlighting Moscow’s expanding fertiliser supplies to India.

He said Russia was increasing fertiliser deliveries and would remain ready to continue supplying India in the future.

Putin also asked Jaishankar to convey his best wishes to Prime Minister Modi and expressed hope of meeting him soon on the sidelines of the SCO meeting.

JAISHANKAR HOLDS TRADE TALKS

The meeting with Putin came after Jaishankar held discussions with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov earlier in the day.

The talks focused on ways to increase bilateral trade and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Jaishankar’s Moscow visit comes ahead of Putin’s expected trip to New Delhi for the BRICS leaders’ summit on September 12-13. The engagements are expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to review their partnership and explore new areas of economic cooperation.