External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov convened in Moscow to review bilateral ties and discuss upcoming plans for the annual summit. In a joint press conference, Jaishankar spoke on the robust nature of the relationship between India and Russia, which has persisted since World War II. He stressed the importance of continuous energy cooperation, emphasizing trade and investments. Addressing the issue of India’s oil imports, Jaishankar clarified that India is not the largest purchaser of Russian oil, with China holding that distinction. He also pointed out that the European Union is the largest buyer of Russian LNG. Jaishankar underscored that India’s energy purchases are made in accordance with its national interests and global expectations, citing that even the United States has been encouraging the stabilization of global energy markets, which includes buying oil from Russia. Furthermore, Jaishankar drew attention to India’s increased oil imports from the United States.
The two leaders also discussed expanding bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including increasing India’s exports to Russia, necessitating the swift resolution of non-tariff barriers and regulatory obstacles. Jaishankar and Lavrov also talked about developments in Ukraine, West Asia, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, reiterating India’s emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. Lavrov welcomed Jaishankar, highlighting the role of multilateral groupings in shaping the world order. Jaishankar’s three-day visit includes co-chairing IRIGC-TEC and addressing the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow.