Enhancing efforts and adopting new strategies: Jaishankar on strengthening India-Russia relationships
India's Foreign Minister Pushes for Stronger India-Russia Ties in Moscow
During a three-day visit to Moscow, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar advocated for a stronger relationship between India and Russia. The talks, held under the framework of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation, focused on the importance of India-Russia ties in the context of current geopolitical upheaval.
Jaishankar pitched for a coordination mechanism between the business forum and the different working groups of the IRIGC to ensure a two-way flow of ideas. He made specific suggestions to further consolidate the engagement, especially in the economic sphere. The minister emphasized the need for continuous diversification and expansion of the agenda between India and Russia through mutual consultation.
In an effort to make the IRIGC more result-oriented, relevant, and readily available to the business communities of the two sides, Jaishankar suggested a creative and innovative approach. He proposed that each working group and sub group in the IRIGC could set targets to achieve more by the next session. He also suggested picking a certain number of trade barriers and making a commitment to address them.
Jaishankar's remarks were made amid increasing strains in India's ties with the United States over its purchase of Russian crude oil, with President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. The minister expressed a desire for the IRIGC to become more result-oriented and suggested setting quantifiable targets and specific timelines to achieve more in expanding the ties between the two countries.
During his visit, Jaishankar met with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. However, as of August 21, 2025, no specific quantifiable goals or concrete deadlines to intensify India-Russia cooperation were publicly detailed in available sources. If they have agreed to a certain proposal, Jaishankar suggested setting a firm timeline for its implementation.
The meeting was aimed at preparing grounds for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India later this year. Jaishankar's proposals aim to strengthen the India-Russia relationship and ensure that the IRIGC plays a more active role in fostering economic cooperation between the two nations.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
