Dr. S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 26th Inter-Governmental Commission in Moscow from August 19–21, 2025, and held high-level meetings with President Vladimir Putin, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, visited the Russian Federation from August 19 to 21, 2025, to co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar called on H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and conveyed personal greetings from the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. They discussed the bilateral agenda and exchanged views on global developments, including the situation in Ukraine.
On August 20, Dr. Jaishankar co-chaired the 26th Session of the IRIGC-TEC with H.E. Mr. Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The discussions focused on addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, improving logistics, promoting connectivity, strengthening payment mechanisms, and finalizing the Programme of Economic Cooperation till 2030.
Both sides emphasized the importance of concluding the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement at the earliest and reaffirmed the revised bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030. The Co-Chairs signed the Protocol for the 26th Session at the conclusion of the Plenary.
Dr. Jaishankar and Mr. Manturov also addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, which saw wide participation from government officials and representatives of industry from both countries. The two sides supported the creation of a coordination mechanism linking the Business Forum with the IRIGC Working Groups.
On August 21, Dr. Jaishankar held detailed discussions with H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The two leaders reviewed the full range of bilateral relations, covering trade, economic cooperation, defence, military-technical cooperation, and connectivity. They also discussed the opening of new Indian Consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg.
On global issues, both sides reiterated their commitment to reforms in global governance, including the expansion of the United Nations Security Council to reflect contemporary realities. They also reaffirmed close coordination in the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Regional issues including Ukraine, the Middle East, West Asia, and Afghanistan were discussed. Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for resolving conflicts. He also raised the issue of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army and sought an early resolution of pending cases.
On counter-terrorism, both sides committed to jointly fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy against cross-border terrorism and its determination to safeguard its citizens.
Preparations for the forthcoming Annual Summit between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin were also reviewed. Dr. Jaishankar invited Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India at a mutually convenient date to continue the dialogue.
Source: MEA
