External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reviewed preparations for the 23rd India-Russsia Annual Summit as he held extensive talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in early December to hold the summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two countries are looking at firming up a number of agreements, initiatives and projects to add more substance to the ties during Putin’s visit.
In his opening remarks during the meeting with Lavrov, Jaishankar said India-Russia ties have long been a factor of stability in international relations and that their growth and evolution are not only in the mutual interest of the two countries but also in the interest of the world.
Several bilateral agreements, initiatives, and projects in various fields are under discussion between the two countries, he added.
"Our regular interactions have been greatly helpful in advancing our bilateral cooperation and also sharing perspectives on important regional, global and multilateral issues. This particular occasion, for me, is all the more important as we prepare for President Putin's visit to India for the 23rd annual summit," the minister said.
On Russia-Ukraine conflict
Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the ongoing efforts to establish peace and said early cessation of the conflict and the ensuring of an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community.
“We hope that all parties approach that goal constructively," he said.
"We will also be exchanging views on the complex global situation with the openness that has always characterized our ties. This includes the Ukraine conflict, as also the Middle East and Afghanistan amongst others," Jaishankar said in his remarks.
