With preparations for Putin’s visit to India in full swing, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow.

Diplomatic activity has intensified ahead of the annual India-Russia summit in December. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, while Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev held talks with NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi. Both meetings are an important part of preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India on December 4-5. In Moscow, Jaishankar said India-Russia relations have been a “strong pillar” of international stability, and expanding this partnership is important for both countries and the global order.

Preparations for the 23rd annual summit and issues related to the changing global environment were the main topics of discussion. Jaishankar said several bilateral agreements, initiatives and projects are under consideration and are expected to be finalized during Putin’s visit. He said that this will further strengthen the privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.

A discussion on global crises
Jaishankar and Lavrov discussed the war in Ukraine, rising tensions in West Asia and the situation in Afghanistan. Jaishankar said India supports any initiative that leads to lasting peace. “A quick end to the conflict and lasting peace is in the interest of the entire international community,” he said. Doval and Patrushev’s meeting in Delhi also saw an in-depth discussion on strategic issues. Patrushev is considered one of Putin’s most trusted security advisers, and his visit adds to the significance of the summit. A meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December will comprehensively review defense, energy, trade, space and strategic cooperation. The visit comes at a time when President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Russia-India energy ties and the Ukraine war is rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics.