External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is off to Moscow next week for bilateral talks amid mounting speculation about President Vladimir Putin’s visit in December, his first since invading Ukraine in 2020.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed Jaishankar’s visit and meetings with his counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
India’s acquisition of key Russian-origin platforms and joint production programmes will figure in Jaishankar’s discussions. Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude, amid Western scrutiny, will be an important talking point, with both countries eager to stabilise long-term arrangements.
Other issues on the agenda range from the Ukraine conflict to evolving security dynamics in West Asia and coordination within SCO, BRICS and other multilateral platforms.
Jaishankar’s visit will also see him participate in the SCO Council’s Heads of Government session with Russia assuming the group’s rotating presidency from China.
India is expected to reiterate its focus on connectivity, counterterrorism cooperation, and regional stability. Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, is also slated to attend the meeting, though Indian officials do not foresee any bilateral engagement on the sidelines.
