Jaishankar's Moscow Mission: Bolstering India-Russia Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar embarked on a three-day visit to Moscow on Tuesday to reinforce the enduring India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, amid tensions with the United States over trade tariffs. The visit follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, which has strained bilateral relations. 

Jaishankar will co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) on August 20, alongside Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. He is also scheduled to address the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow, promoting economic collaboration. 

The minister will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to review bilateral ties and discuss critical regional and global issues, including the Trump administration’s recent efforts to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sources indicate potential discussions on expanding defense ties, such as S-400 missile system deals, and boosting trade to $100 billion by 2027, with a focus on energy sectors like oil, coal, and natural gas. 

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The visit, at Manturov’s invitation, underscores India’s commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Russia despite external pressures. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the trip aims to fortify a “time-tested” partnership, building on recent high-level engagements, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 7. 

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