(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has highlighted the ongoing and dynamic evolution of India-Russia relations, focusing on several aspects of this bilateral partnership, during his ongoing five-day visit to the country.
Economic Cooperation and Opportunities: On December 26, 2023, EAM Jaishankar had a comprehensive meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Moscow, focusing on bilateral economic cooperation.
In a post on social media platform X, he noted the “significant progress in trade, finance, connectivity, energy, civil aviation, and nuclear domains” and appreciated the “greater focus on exploring new opportunities.”
connectivity, multilateralism, big power competition, and regional conflicts, with EAM Jaishankar emphasizing that “Geopolitics and strategic convergence will always keep India-Russia ties on a positive trajectory.”
EAM Jaishankar also reflected on his visit to an exhibition in Moscow. “Visited the Russian Industry and Trade exhibition with DPM Denis Manturov. An interesting exposition on Russia’s contemporary capabilities. Holds promise for greater collaboration between our two countries,” he wrote on X.
In the series of posts on X, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the concept of a multipolar world, indicating India’s role in this emerging global structure. He suggested India’s foreign policy recalibration to better align with these dynamics, involving diversified strategic partnerships and a more assertive role in international forums.
EAM Jaishankar’s emphasis on an equitable and balanced international order aligns with India’s historical non-aligned stance and current status as a major economy. He stressed strategic autonomy, highlighting India’s aim to make independent foreign policy decisions and resist aligning with major power conflicts.
The cultural and people-to-people ties were also a significant theme as he emphasized the longstanding connections between India and Russia, fostered through cultural festivals, language programs, and art exchanges, among other initiatives.
Among his engagements was an address to the Indian community in Moscow. Here, EAM Jaishankar posed a unique idea, on the static relationship between the two countries distinct to other international relationships. He attributed this consistency to several factors, including geographical proximity and thoughtful nurturing by various leaderships over time.
Exemplifying the dynamicity of the 90’s, he emphasized the steadiness of bilateral relationships, underpinned by mutual care and effort. This relationship, according to Jaishankar, has withstood global political turbulence over the last 40-50 years. He stressed that this stability is not just at the governmental level but also deeply rooted in popular sentiment within both countries.
Focusing on India-Russia economic ties, EAM Jaishankar noted a substantial increase in trade, from USD 12-14 billion two years ago to USD 50 billion last year, predicting further growth. He emphasized the need for balanced growth in trade, encouraging the Indian community in Russia to help increase India’s exports to Russia.
He urged the Indian community to bridge knowledge gaps about India’s new business landscape among Russian businesses. He highlighted India’s strengths in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, and engineering, suggesting these as potential areas for growth in India-Russia economic cooperation.
India News Network
