India, Russia to finalize new agreements, projects during Putin’s trip to New Delhi

India and Russia are working to finalize a series of agreements, initiatives, and projects aimed at deepening their partnership ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi early next month.

In preparation for the visit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held detailed talks in Moscow on Monday with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

“This meeting holds special significance for me as we prepare to welcome President Putin to India for the 23rd annual summit,” Jaishankar said during his opening remarks.

“A wide range of bilateral initiatives, agreements, and projects are currently under discussion. We look forward to concluding them soon,” he noted.

“These efforts will further enrich and strengthen our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” the minister added.

Jaishankar also reiterated India’s support for recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“India supports the latest efforts to promote peace and hopes that all parties will approach these initiatives in a constructive manner,” he said.

“Achieving an early end to hostilities and securing lasting peace is in the interest of the entire international community,” he emphasized.

Jaishankar highlighted that the India-Russia relationship has long contributed to global stability.

“The evolution and progress of our partnership serve not only our mutual interests but also those of the wider world,” he stated.

The two ministers also exchanged views on key international developments.

“We will have an open discussion on the complex global landscape, a hallmark of our partnership. This includes topics such as the conflict in Ukraine, as well as developments in the Middle East and Afghanistan,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow is part of the preparations for Putin’s upcoming trip to India.

The Russian president is expected to arrive around December 5 for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The summit is anticipated to yield major outcomes that will further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Modi and Putin are set to explore ways to expand the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” during their annual meeting.

Under a long-standing mechanism, the Indian prime minister and Russian president meet once a year to review and guide the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

To date, 22 annual summits have been held alternately in India and Russia.

Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow for the previous summit last July.

Russia remains a steadfast partner for India and a central pillar of New Delhi’s foreign policy.