Jaishankar Meets Putin to Strengthen Strategic Partnership
India-Russia Relations Deepen as S Jaishankar Discusses Trade, Defence, and Oil with Putin
In a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday during his three-day official visit to Russia. The high-profile meeting came at a time when India finds itself balancing strategic ties with Moscow against growing economic pressure from Washington.
The backdrop of Jaishankar’s visit is U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian exports, alongside an additional 25 percent duty on Indian purchases of Russian oil, raising the effective levy to 50 percent. Washington has argued that India’s continued import of Russian energy strengthens Moscow’s war chest in Ukraine, a position New Delhi firmly contests.
Jaishankar: Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Russia
Earlier in the day, Dr. Jaishankar held detailed talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reviewing the entire spectrum of India-Russia relations. Addressing the press after their meeting, Jaishankar underlined that the partnership has been among the “steadiest of major relationships” since the Second World War.
“Our leaders met in July for the 22nd annual summit last year, and thereafter in Kazan. We now prepare for the annual summit at the end of the year, which has always provided guidance to carry forward our special and privileged strategic partnership,” Jaishankar noted in his opening remarks.
Both sides discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, energy, connectivity, and science and technology. Connectivity projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor, and cooperation along the Northern Sea Route were highlighted as game-changers that can reduce transit times and expand access to Eurasian markets.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
The Russian Foreign Ministry revealed that special emphasis was placed on developing financial and banking mechanisms immune to Western sanctions, and increasing the use of national currencies in bilateral trade settlements. Both countries reaffirmed their ambition to expand trade in a “balanced and sustainable” manner, particularly by boosting India’s exports to Russia.
Dr. Jaishankar stressed the importance of joint defence production, technology transfer, and Make in India initiatives supported by Moscow. He also pressed for the expedited opening of two new Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg to deepen cultural and economic outreach.
The sensitive issue of Indian nationals reportedly serving in the Russian army was also raised, with Jaishankar expressing hope for an early resolution.
Jaishankar: Global Diplomacy and Shared Concerns
On the global stage, both sides reiterated their shared commitment to reforming international governance institutions, including expanding the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities. Discussions also covered pressing international crises, including Ukraine, West Asia, and Afghanistan, with India reiterating its call for dialogue and diplomacy as the path to resolution.
On counterterrorism, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s Zero Tolerance Policy and its sovereign right to defend citizens against terrorism. Both nations pledged joint action against all forms of extremism.
Addressing U.S. Pressure on Russian Oil Purchases
Responding to media queries on U.S. claims about India’s role in the Russian oil trade, Jaishankar firmly clarified:
“India is not the biggest purchaser of Russian oil or LNG, nor the country with the largest trade surge with Russia post-2022. India also imports oil from the United States, and those volumes are steadily rising.”
He further revealed that the terms of reference for the India–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement have been signed, with negotiations expected to begin soon, covering market access, trade barriers, and cooperation in nuclear energy.
Also Read : Roy Krishnan: The Untold Story of Asia’s Fastest Left-Winger