New Delhi, November 17

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in Moscow today for an important meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, where the two leaders are expected to review the full range of India–Russia relations and discuss major global issues. The meeting comes at a significant time, with both nations preparing for key political engagements in the coming weeks.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the meeting earlier, stating that the Ministers will talk about upcoming political interactions as well as major bilateral and international matters. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that Jaishankar will be leading the Indian delegation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting, taking place from November 17 to 18 in Moscow.

During the talks, Jaishankar and Lavrov are expected to take stock of the current status of India–Russia ties, outline new areas of cooperation, and exchange views on global developments. Their discussion will likely cover collaborations within key international groupings such as the SCO, BRICS, the UN, and the G20, where both countries work closely on shared priorities.

This visit follows Jaishankar’s last trip to Russia in August 2025, when he co-chaired the 26th session of the India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. During that visit, he also met Russian President Vladimir Putin and held discussions with other senior leaders and scholars, focusing on strengthening long-term cooperation.

The momentum in bilateral relations has continued through high-level engagements. In October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin spoke over the phone to review ongoing cooperation and future plans. Modi extended birthday wishes to Putin and reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing strategic ties, including preparations for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, where India hopes to welcome the Russian leader soon.

The two leaders last met in September during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where they discussed the global situation—including the conflict in Ukraine—and agreed to keep working together to deepen the India–Russia partnership.

With today’s meeting in Moscow, both countries aim to push their long-standing strategic relationship forward while navigating a rapidly changing global landscape.

 Jaishankar To Meet Russian Foreign Minister In Moscow Today To Review Bilateral Ties And Global Issues

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in Moscow today for a key meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, marking another significant moment in the long-standing partnership between the two countries. The discussion will cover everything from bilateral cooperation to major global issues shaping today’s geopolitical climate. With the SCO Heads of State Council meeting beginning soon, this visit sets the tone for India’s participation and future diplomatic engagements.

Both leaders are expected to review progress across trade, defence, technology, energy, and strategic initiatives, while also exploring new areas where India and Russia can deepen cooperation. Their conversation will also touch on global developments within platforms like SCO, BRICS, the UN, and G20, where both nations continue to align on key priorities.

This visit builds on Jaishankar’s August trip to Russia and the recent phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties. With today’s meeting, India and Russia move one step closer to shaping a more stable and collaborative future.