EAM Jaishankar expresses appreciation for President Putin’s guidance on the further development of India-Russia ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks forward to visiting Russia on a mutually convenient date next year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told President Vladimir Putin when he called on him in Moscow on Wednesday (December 27, 2023). President Putin, on his part, extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi and said, “We will be glad to see our friend, Mr Prime Minister Modi, in Russia."
 
According to state-owned Russian news agency TASS, President Putin said, "We will be able to discuss all current issues, talk about the outlook for the development of Russian-Indian relations. We have a very large amount of work to do."
 
During their meeting, EAM Jaishankar delivered a letter sent by PM Modi to Putin, saying that the letter contained the Indian PM’s thoughts on the state of India-Russia cooperation and the progress that had been made in recent days.
 
“Please allow me to convey personal greetings from Prime Minister Modi. Certainly, Mr President he looks forward to visiting Russia next year. I am sure we will find a date which is mutually convenient for the political calendar of both countries. It is something he certainly looks forward to,” EAM Jaishankar said.
 
EAM Jaishankar also took the opportunity to share with President Putin aspects of the discussions he had with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Lavrov. “I would like to highlight the progress we have made in trade, which is in excess of a turnover of 50 billion dollars, and whose potential is only now beginning to be visible. It is, therefore, important we give it a more sustainable character,” he said.
 
EAM Jaishankar’s meeting with President Putin is being viewed as significant since the Russian leader usually does not meet visiting Foreign Ministers.
 
“Honoured to call on President Vladimir Putin this evening. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a personal message. Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his guidance on the further developments of our ties,” EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.
 
Earlier, speaking at a press conference after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, EAM Jaishankar said, "What clearly came out was that India-Russia relations remain very steady, remain very strong, they are based on our strategic convergence, on our geopolitical interests, and because they are mutually beneficial".

Stating that India-Russia trade was at an all-time high, EAM Jaishankar said this crossed USD 50 billion in turnover last year. "We expect to exceed that this year. And what is important is that this trade is more balanced. It is sustainable, and it provides for fair market access," he pointed out.
 
During their meeting, the two ministers also discussed long-term arrangements for trade in energy, fertilisers, and coking coal. Additionally, they explored next steps in areas like investment, connectivity, civil aviation, and tourism.
 
On December 26, 2023, EAM Jaishankar met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov. 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."