India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Nov. 17 in Moscow, where representatives of 10 member nations are gathering for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of Government Council meeting over Nov. 17 and 18. In addition, there are delegations present from guest nations and other organizations, including the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Jaishankar, in his opening remarks to media, said his talks with Lavrov carried “special importance,” as both sides are preparing for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi in early December. The 23rd Annual India-Russia Summit is scheduled for Dec. 5.
The Hindu Times today reported on Jaishankar’s remarks, about conferring with Lavrov. “Our regular interactions—six this year so far—have greatly helped advance bilateral cooperation and enabled us to share perspectives on key regional, global and multilateral issues,” he said. He indicated that the two men were accustomed to speak about the “complex global situation.”
Their topics ranged from Afghanistan to the Middle East. “An early cessation of the conflict and ensuring an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community.”
Lavrov stressed the relationship between their two countries, saying, “It is a testimony to the fact that Russia and India have a special and privileged strategic partnership and it is now on top priority of our foreign policy.” Each country has had significant accomplishments, and has more prospects ahead in many fields, from energy, to agriculture.
There were also talks between the two countries by a separate Russian delegation in New Delhi, including Russian Presidential Aide and Chair of the Russian Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev. He met with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and National Maritime Security Coordinator Biswajit Dasgupta. Their areas of discussion included shipbuilding, port logistics, oceanic research, marine training, and related topics. They initiated discussions on Russian-Indian cooperative involvement in marine building and repair facilities in Mumbai or Chennai.
