EAM Jaishankar’s Visit to Russia Reinforces India–Russia Strategic Partnership
- Peeush Srivastava
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Moscow, August 19–21, 2025 — External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded a significant three-day visit to Russia, underscoring the depth and resilience of the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The visit combined high-level political engagement with concrete steps to expand trade, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
High-Level Engagements
During the visit, EAM called on President Vladimir Putin, conveying the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussing pressing issues on the bilateral and global agenda, including developments in Ukraine. EAM also held substantive meetings with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in addition to engaging Russian scholars and think tank representatives.
26th IRIGC-TEC: Expanding the Economic Agenda
On August 20, EAM co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with First Deputy PM Manturov.
The discussions focused on:
Removing tariff and non-tariff barriers and easing logistics bottlenecks.
Advancing connectivity projects including the International North-South Transport Corridor, Northern Sea Route, and Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor.
Strengthening payment mechanisms to facilitate smooth settlements.
Finalizing the Programme of Economic Cooperation till 2030 and advancing negotiations on the India–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement.
Sustaining energy cooperation and addressing the mobility of Indian skilled professionals in IT, construction, and engineering.
The Co-Chairs signed the official Protocol of the 26th Session, reaffirming their commitment to achieve the USD 100 billion trade target by 2030 in a more balanced and diversified manner.
India–Russia Business Forum
Following the Commission’s session, both leaders addressed the India–Russia Business Forum, which saw wide participation from officials and industry leaders. EAM emphasized the need for closer coordination between the Business Forum and the IRIGC Working Groups, highlighting complementarities in energy, agriculture, machinery, healthcare, and skilled manpower mobility.
In his address, Dr. Jaishankar urged businesses from both countries to take bold steps, noting: “An enduring strategic partnership must have a strong and sustainable economic component. Realizing that means moving on multiple fronts — trade, investments, joint ventures, skilling, connectivity, and financial settlements.”
Strategic Dialogue with FM Lavrov
On August 21, EAM met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for an in-depth review of the bilateral partnership. Discussions spanned trade, defence and military-technical cooperation, connectivity, and the early opening of two new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
Both sides reiterated their shared positions on:
Reforming global governance, including the expansion of the UN Security Council.
Strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and the G20.
Advancing connectivity projects across Eurasia.
Sustaining collaboration in energy, science, and technology.
EAM also raised the matter of Indians serving in the Russian Army, urging an expedited resolution of pending cases.
Regional and Global Issues
The talks covered a wide range of international developments — from Ukraine and Afghanistan to the Middle East and West Asia. India reiterated its emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the path to resolving differences. Both countries reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, committing to fight jointly against all forms of extremism.
Preparing for the Annual Summit
The visit also focused on preparations for the forthcoming Annual Leaders’ Summit, with both sides aligning on deliverables and outcomes. Dr. Jaishankar extended an invitation to FM Lavrov to visit India for further consultations.
A Partnership of Continuity and Change
Dr. Jaishankar described the India–Russia relationship as one of the steadiest major power partnerships, guided by consistent leadership engagement and rooted in popular sentiment. While acknowledging trade imbalances and structural challenges, both sides reiterated their determination to broaden cooperation across traditional and new domains.
As the visit concluded, EAM expressed confidence that the outcomes of the IRIGC-TEC and his meetings in Moscow would further drive India–Russia cooperation in the run-up to the Annual Summit later this year.
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