NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar began a three-day visit to Russia on Monday, arriving in Moscow to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting and hold a round of high-level discussions, ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s expected trip to New Delhi early next month.The EAM met Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov for talks covering bilateral, regional and global issues, including cooperation within the SCO, BRICS, the UN and the G20, according to state-run TASS.During his meeting with Lavrov, Jaishankar 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. India supports recent efforts towards establishing peace.”He further expressed hope for all sides to approach that goal constructively. “An early cessation of the conflict and ensuring of an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community. India-Russia ties have long been a factor of stability in international relations. Its growth and evolution is not only in our mutual interest, but also in that of the world…”He also highlighted the importance of the visit in the context of preparations for President Putin’s upcoming India trip. “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. A number of bilateral agreements, initiatives and projects are under discussion in various fields. We look forward to the finalization in the coming days. This will certainly add more substance and texture to our special and privileged strategic partnership…”The two ministers reviewed progress on a series of agreements and initiatives that both sides are hoping to firm up in time for the summit expected around December 5. President Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021, and this year’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to further strengthen the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”. India and Russia hold annual summit talks under a long-standing mechanism. So far, 22 such meetings have taken place, alternating between the two countries.On Tuesday, Jaishankar will represent Prime Minister Modi at the SCO meeting of the Council of Heads of Government, which President Putin is likely to address.Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for ongoing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “India supports recent efforts towards establishing peace. We hope that all parties approach that goal constructively,” he said. “An early cessation of the conflict and the ensuring of an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community.”He added that India-Russia relations have played a consistent stabilizing role internationally. “Its growth and evolution is not only in our mutual interest but also in that of the world,” he said.Russia remains one of India’s closest and most longstanding partners, and officials on both sides expect significant outcomes from President Putin’s upcoming visit aimed at giving further depth to the strategic relationship.
