At a time when rift between Russia and the USA is at its peak due to Ukraine war, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Tuesday remembered 75 years old ties with Russia during his speech before the Indian diaspora in Moscow. He is in Moscow to meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and other dignitaries of Russia.
This is also taking place at the time when western leaders are travelling to Ukraine to show their solidarity, India’s External Affairs Minister’s Moscow visit is assertion of the nation’s foreign policy to align with all the groups and countries in national and international interests. India’s this assertion was seen successful during G20 summit.
Due to Russia-Ukraine war, the traditional annual summit between India and Russia, which alternates between the two countries and is attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not take place this year as Modi was expected to visit Russia. In lieu of this, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar embarked on the mission to engage with Russian leadership, beginning his journey on December 25. Dr. Jaishankar who is in Moscow already will talk to his counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday. Lavrov is the senior most leader in Russia after Putin and also his close confidant.
Earlier, Putin had also not visited India during the G20 summit on 9-10 September, due to war and had sent Lavrov to represent him.
Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow includes significant engagements with the Indian diaspora, discussing India-Russia relations, bilateral trade, and India’s progress in various sectors. He emphasized the strong ties between the two nations in defense, nuclear power, and space, and the potential for increased bilateral trade. Jaishankar’s interaction with the diaspora also highlighted India’s advancements and the role of the diaspora in promoting India’s achievements globally. He noted India’s economic growth, urging the diaspora to share these developments and help change global perceptions of the country. This visit underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen the India-Russia relationship.
In Moscow, the external affairs minister Jaishankar signed an agreement for future units of the Kudankulam project alongside Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. This project is a critical component of India’s nuclear power generation strategy and symbolizes the long-standing nuclear energy cooperation between India and Russia. He emphasized the potential increase in bilateral trade between India and Russia, from the current $50 billion to $100 billion in the coming years.
Jaishankar emphasized the countries’ Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia. These comments underscore the multifaceted relationship between the two nations, including strong ties in defense, nuclear power, and space
Jaishankar’s discussions with Russian Deputy Prime Minister also touched upon enhancing trade in local currencies, reflecting a shift from traditional currency reliance. This approach is increasingly considered by countries in response to conflicts and shortages of traditional currencies. Jaishankar highlighted India’s advancements in various sectors, including digital payments, pharmaceuticals, and education, and urged the Indian diaspora to promote India’s achievements and progress internationally.
These agreements and discussions mark a significant step in furthering India-Russia cooperation, not only in the nuclear sector but across various domains, strengthening their strategic partnership and economic ties.
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