The North News

New Delhi, August 22

India and Russia have pledged to work together against all forms of terrorism, as External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar concluded a three-day visit to Moscow. Dr Jaishankar co-chaired the 26th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

During talks, the two countries reaffirmed a “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism, with Dr Jaishankar emphasising India’s right to protect its citizens from cross-border threats. He also raised concerns about Indians serving in the Russian army, urging for quick resolution of pending cases. The minister called on President Vladimir Putin and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions covered bilateral priorities and global issues, including developments in Ukraine.

Talks with Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov focused on trade, energy and mobility of skilled workers. Both sides agreed to accelerate efforts to reach the revised trade target of $100bn by 2030, including removing barriers and finalising the India-Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement.

Dr Jaishankar and Manturov also addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, which gathered officials and industry leaders to deepen economic ties. A review of defence and military-technical cooperation was held, along with progress on opening two new Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. On multilateral issues, India and Russia underlined the need to reform the UN Security Council to reflect “contemporary realities.”

Regional developments in Ukraine, West Asia, the Middle East and Afghanistan were also discussed. Both sides stressed dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve conflicts. Preparations for the forthcoming India-Russia Annual Summit were also reviewed, with Dr Jaishankar inviting Lavrov to visit New Delhi.