External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday. The two ministers held discussions reviewing bilateral ties amid tariff threats from the US.
During the meeting, Lavrov mentioned that the two nations are close, stating that New Delhi and Moscow ‘fully justify the strategic privileged partnership’.
This visit comes as Jaishankar co-chairs a commission responsible for trade and economic cooperation. The two leaders discussed how to strengthen ties, especially in regions where India and Russia face pressure from the West.
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Call for Innovative Approach
Jaishankar also visited Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on Wednesday, where he asserted that both countries should adopt fresh strategies to address global challenges.
“Doing more and doing differently should be our mantras,” Jaishankar said in his televised comment. He underlined that India and Russia should further ‘diversify and expand their agenda of cooperation’ inclusive of trade basket and launching more joint ventures.
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US Tariff Strain Adds to Tensions
After Trump doubled the tariff on Indian goods up to 50%, the relations between India and the US have been facing strains. Jaishankar’s visit comes at a vital time as it highlights both Russia and India reiterating their commitment to strengthening their longstanding partnership.
EAM Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for a three-day visit.
