Moscow: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the two sides discussed bilateral ties and global developments.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Moscow on Sunday, is on a two-day visit to Russia.
It comes ahead of Putin’s expected visit to New Delhi for the BRICS leaders’ summit on September 12-13.
The meeting assumes significance as India and Russia seek to further strengthen economic ties and expand cooperation across a range of areas.
Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar held talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, focusing on ways to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
“The India-Russia partnership has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability,” Jaishankar said at an event which he co-chaired with Manturov.
“Even amidst a complex international landscape, our engagement has continued to deepen, reflecting the mutual interest and confidence that define our bilateral partnership.”
Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to exchange views on regional and global issues, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
His Moscow visit comes a month after he met Lavrov in Manila on July 22 on the sidelines of ASEAN-related ministerial meetings. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia.
During that meeting, Jaishankar also reiterated India’s “strong concern” over the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.
The latest visit comes as New Delhi and Moscow look to maintain the momentum in their longstanding partnership, including through stronger economic engagement and cooperation on regional and global issues.
