Foreign Minister S Jaishankar Engages in High-Stakes Talks with President Putin; Invites PM Modi to Russia
In a crucial diplomatic rendezvous, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Wednesday, initiating discussions on an array of pressing issues, notably the ongoing Ukraine conflict. During the meeting, President Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia in the upcoming year, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“We will be glad to see our friend, Mr. Prime Minister Modi, in Russia,” expressed President Putin to Mr. Jaishankar, who is currently on a five-day official visit to Russia.
The talks between Mr. Jaishankar and President Putin delved into the Ukraine crisis, with the Russian President acknowledging PM Modi’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution. President Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to share additional information with India on potential avenues for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
The Foreign Minister also held discussions with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov earlier in the day. During a joint media appearance with Lavrov, Mr. Jaishankar expressed confidence in the forthcoming annual summit between PM Modi and President Putin, highlighting the frequent contact between the two leaders.
The annual summit, a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between India and Russia, is anticipated to take place next year. The dialogue mechanism has seen 21 summits to date, alternating between India and Russia. The latest summit transpired in Delhi in December 2021.
President Putin noted the positive trajectory of trade relations between Russia and India, particularly in the realms of crude oil and high technology. He emphasized the steady growth in trade turnover for the second consecutive year, with this year’s growth rate surpassing the previous year’s.
Earlier in the visit, Mr. Jaishankar engaged in a “comprehensive and productive” meeting with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, culminating in the signing of significant agreements related to the construction of future power-generating units at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu.
Despite global concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India’s ties with Russia have remained robust, marked by increased imports of Russian crude oil. India continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine crisis, refraining from condemning Russia’s actions and emphasizing dialogue as the primary means of resolution.