New Delhi, Nov 19, 2025

India and Russia marked an important diplomatic moment on Wednesday as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar officially opened two new Indian Consulates General in Yekaterinburg and Kazan. The move signals India’s intention to strengthen its long-standing partnership with Russia and improve access for Indians living, studying, or doing business in these regions.

Jaishankar described the day as a meaningful step in expanding India’s presence in Russia. He explained that the establishment of these consulates had been in the works for several months, with continuous efforts from both sides to ensure they opened as early as possible. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar, and senior officials from both countries, along with members of the Indian community.

Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the support provided by Russian authorities, especially the regional governments of the Republic of Tatarstan and Sverdlovsk Oblast. He noted that their cooperation played a key role in getting the consulates ready for operation.

Speaking about Yekaterinburg, Jaishankar highlighted its importance as an industrial powerhouse often referred to as Russia’s “third capital.” The city is a major centre for heavy engineering, gem cutting, defence production, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals, and medical equipment. He pointed out that the region hosts INNOPROM, one of Russia’s leading international economic forums, where Indian industries regularly participate. According to him, the new consulate will help strengthen business partnerships, research cooperation, and technological exchanges between the two nations.

He then turned to Kazan, describing it as a vibrant cultural city that attracts many visitors and serves as a link between Russia and Asia. Jaishankar recalled visiting the city himself and praised its multicultural character. Kazan has strong industries in oil refining, fertilisers, automotive production, defence manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment. With the new consulate, he said India hopes to expand cultural exchange programs, educational cooperation, and participation in initiatives like ITEC.

The minister emphasised that the new consulates will greatly benefit the Indian community in Russia, especially students and young professionals who require easier access to consular services. He added that increased diplomatic presence means better support for tourism, trade, academic collaboration, and cultural links.

Jaishankar said he was confident that these consulates would act as a catalyst for deeper cooperation between India and Russia. In his view, the opening of the missions represents more than just administrative expansion — it reflects the shared intention of both countries to build stronger ties across multiple sectors.

He concluded by expressing hope that the new offices in Yekaterinburg and Kazan would encourage more business partnerships, community connections, and long-term engagement between the people of both nations, further strengthening the decades-old bond between India and Russia.

 EAM Jaishankar Opens Two New Indian Consulates in Russia, Calls It a Boost to India-Russia Relations

India has taken a big diplomatic step as EAM S. Jaishankar opened two new Indian Consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, Russia. This move shows how strongly India values its friendship with Russia and how both countries want to make their partnership even stronger. The new consulates will make life easier for Indians living, studying, or working in these regions by giving them better access to services and support.

Yekaterinburg is known as Russia’s industrial centre, with major work in engineering, defence, metals, and technology. The new consulate will help Indian and Russian companies work together more easily. Kazan, a multicultural and historic city, is a major link between Russia and Asia. It has strong industries like oil, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and defence. With the new consulate there, cultural exchanges, tourism, education links, and business ties are expected to grow.

Jaishankar said the openings will help students, professionals, and the Indian community in many ways. He also said this is a sign of India’s expanding global footprint and its commitment to deepening cooperation with Russia across many fields. This step is expected to create more opportunities and bring the two nations even closer.