Will EAM Jaishankar's 3-day visit to Russia strengthen ties?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar's visit is crucial for India-Russia relations.
- Key discussions will focus on trade and economic cooperation.
- Meetings with top officials highlight the importance of diplomatic ties.
- Past engagements set the stage for productive talks.
- Strengthening ties with Russia is vital for India's foreign policy.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to depart for Russia on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to enhance the enduring India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This visit, running until August 21, is at the request of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
During his time there, EAM Jaishankar will co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) on August 20, and will also speak at the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow.
Additionally, EAM Jaishankar plans to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss the full range of bilateral relations and share perspectives on significant regional and global issues.
The MEA stated, "This visit aims to further solidify the enduring and tested India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership." Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this meeting, sharing on X, "FM Sergei Lavrov's schedule: On August 21, FM Sergei Lavrov will meet with FM of India Dr S Jaishankar in Moscow. The Ministers will discuss essential topics on our bilateral agenda and cooperation within international frameworks."
This visit follows the recent trip of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, First Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu.
The upcoming discussions also follow the Jaishankar-Lavrov meeting during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting on July 15, and their interactions at the BRICS Summit last month, where they focused on bilateral cooperation, West Asia, BRICS, and SCO.
Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Moscow for bilateral Foreign Office Consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. During these talks on March 7, both sides reviewed a wide array of bilateral matters and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Both nations assessed the progress on decisions made at the 22nd Annual Summit held in Moscow in July 2024, the meeting in Kazan during the 16th BRICS Summit involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission held in New Delhi in November 2024, and various high-level interactions.
In November 2024, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and EAM Jaishankar co-chaired the 25th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission in New Delhi.
Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit India following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between these two leaders.