The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S Jaishankar, recently concluded his visit to Russia from December 25th to 29th, 2023, expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two nations. The enduring and stable relationship, which has stood the test of time for the past 75 years, continues to be characterized by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Dr. Jaishankar's engagements in Moscow have fostered a positive agenda and constructive interstate dialogue in the ever-evolving global landscape.
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveying warm greetings and delivering a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also briefed President Putin on discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, emphasizing the depth and breadth of the bilateral relationship.
The meeting with Foreign Minister Lavrov delved into various international issues, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the relationship. Discussions included the Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine Conflict, the situation in Gaza, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, as well as cooperation within BRICS, SCO, G20, and the UN. Dr. Jaishankar and Mr. Lavrov reviewed progress in economic cooperation, energy trade, connectivity efforts, military-technical cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges, culminating in the signing of a Protocol on Consultations for the next four years.
A comprehensive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov focused on long-term arrangements in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, fertilizers, civil aviation, and nuclear domains. The discussions highlighted the current state of trade links, which are at an all-time high, more balanced, sustainable, and providing fair market access. The agreement to resume the Eurasian Economic Union (Ea-EU)-India Free Trade Agreement in January, along with joint activities on land and sea corridors, reflects the commitment to furthering economic cooperation.
The development of India-Russia relations has been a key pillar of India’s foreign policy. Regular engagements at the leadership and ministerial levels underscore the importance of the relationship. The India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) remains the primary mechanism for enhancing trade and economic cooperation, addressing issues such as trade deficits and market access.
The defense cooperation between India and Russia is extensive, guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military-Technical Cooperation. The recent Agreement for 2021-2031, signed during the India-Russia 22 Dialogue, emphasizes bilateral and multilateral military exercises across the three services. The collaboration extends to the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant in Tamil Nadu, India's only nuclear power plant established with another country.
The bilateral cooperation is further guided by a new roadmap for Science, Technology, and Innovation, focusing on commercialization of technologies and full-cycle support for joint projects with economic and societal impact.
India-Russia relations are rooted in strategic convergence and shared geo-political interests, ensuring a positive trajectory for the ties. The bilateral trade, exceeding the target of 30 billion dollars set for 2025, demonstrates the robust nature of the partnership. Both countries are exploring ways to increase exports from India and develop new models of cooperation, including inter-regional collaboration through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.
Dr. S Jaishankar's visit to Russia has reaffirmed the enduring strength and vitality of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. The comprehensive discussions and agreements across various domains reflect the commitment of both nations to further deepen their ties in the coming years. As India and Russia navigate the complex global landscape, the synergy between their interests and initiatives ensures that this bilateral relationship remains a cornerstone of India's foreign policy.
Uday India Bureau
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