Will EAM Jaishankar Strengthen Ties with FM Lavrov in Moscow?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar to meet Russian FM Lavrov in Moscow.
- Focus on strengthening economic ties and strategic partnership.
- Discussions to cover bilateral, regional, and global issues.
- Aim to bolster trade and investment opportunities.
- Emphasis on a multipolar world order.
Moscow, Aug 21 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to engage in discussions with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow on Thursday. The aim is to enhance diplomatic ties and fortify the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The upcoming dialogue is anticipated to encompass a diverse range of bilateral, regional, and global matters, with a particular focus on economic resilience and multipolar cooperation.
Jaishankar's visit to Russia began on August 19 and spans three days, during which he aims to deepen bilateral relations. On Wednesday, he co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) in Moscow.
Alongside Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, he participated in the India-Russia Business Forum, where both nations will investigate possibilities to enhance trade and investment relationships.
After the forum, Jaishankar expressed on X, "Delighted to join First DPM Denis Manturov at the India-Russia Business Forum. I value the insights shared by various sectoral leaders about the immense potential of our economic connections."
He reiterated, "A lasting strategic partnership must include a robust and sustainable economic element. In this light, I urged our businesses to increase trade, consider more investments, and engage in joint ventures to discover new avenues for economic collaboration."
A central theme will be the advancement of transportation, logistics, and financial systems that function independently of nations imposing sanctions, aiming to protect economic sovereignty and promote the use of national currencies in bilateral transactions.
This meeting takes place as both countries seek to enhance political dialogue across various bilateral and multilateral platforms, such as the UN (United Nations), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), and G20 (Group of Twenty).
Officials from both nations emphasize that mutual trust and respect are the foundational principles of Indo-Russian relations.
Key discussion areas will include strengthening interdepartmental collaboration in sectors like energy, finance, defense production, science, and culture.
The ministers are also expected to assess the progress in agricultural, scientific-technical, and infrastructure partnerships, while outlining the schedule for future high-level meetings.
On the international front, Jaishankar and Lavrov are likely to share insights on urgent global issues, such as the shifting security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in Afghanistan, and the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Both Moscow and New Delhi continue to advocate for a multipolar world order, considering it vital for maintaining global stability and balance. Russia has reiterated its dedication to fostering an inclusive international system founded on constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
This meeting is viewed as a reaffirmation of the strategic depth of Indo-Russian ties and a significant step towards enhancing cooperation amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.