Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar scheduled to travel to Moscow this month for the 26th meeting of the India-Russia Commission, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine are set to meet for the first time during the UN General Assembly in September. The agreement for the meeting was made public by President Zelenskyy in a post [Link provided].
The exact date for the much-anticipated encounter has yet to be announced. However, it is expected to take place during the UN General Assembly in September, marking a significant step forward in the relationship between India and Ukraine.
The meeting will focus on trade, economic, technological, and cultural cooperation. Amidst the ongoing strains in India's ties with the US over New Delhi's procurement of crude oil from Russia, this meeting signifies India’s intent to deepen economic and energy ties with Ukraine.
The 26th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission has already provided insights into the key issues that will be discussed during the India-Ukraine meeting. These include addressing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, removing logistics bottlenecks, promoting connectivity, and ensuring smooth payment mechanisms between the two countries.
Another major focus is the early conclusion of the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the finalization of the economic cooperation program through 2030. The session also emphasizes sustaining and expanding energy cooperation, notably trade and investments related to Russian energy supplies, including LNG to India.
High-level engagement will also cover sectors such as the chemical industry, metallurgy, transport engineering, digital technologies, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial raw materials, reflecting a broadening trade portfolio beyond traditional energy and commodities.
The meeting between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy will likely discuss bilateral and international issues of mutual concern, including the situation in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Moscow later this month for the 26th session of the India-Russia intergovernmental commission. Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, will also meet with Jaishankar on August 21 in Moscow to discuss key issues on the bilateral agenda and key aspects of cooperation within international frameworks.
The meeting between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy does not seem to be affected by the strain in India's ties with the US over New Delhi's procurement of crude oil from Russia. This development underscores India’s strategic commitment to strengthen ties with Russia amid evolving global economic and political dynamics.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy promises to be a significant event in the relationship between India and Ukraine. The discussions will focus on facilitating trade, expediting the India-EAEU Free Trade Agreement, expanding energy cooperation, enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors, and addressing geopolitical concerns, including the situation in Ukraine. These discussions reflect India’s strategic commitment to strengthen ties with Russia amid evolving global economic and political dynamics.
- The forthcoming meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might lead to an improvement in India's and Ukraine's political opinion regarding each other, potentially marking a shift in general news coverage about their relationship.
- News outlets are likely to scrutinize the discussions surrounding war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation during the meeting, given the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the impact it may have on migration patterns or international relations.
- The meeting between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy will also provide insights into India's policy towards Russia, as it pertains to energy, trade, and other relevant sectors, which could influence global economics and politics.
