EAM wraps up Russia visit with Putin meet

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed key bilateral issues and contemporary global issues of mutual interest, including the developments related to Ukraine during their meeting late Thursday at the Kremlin.

- NIKHIL VYAS

Mr Jaishankar visited Russia from 19 to 21 August to co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

The External Affairs Minister's three-day visit to Russia which concluded on Thursday was held amid escalating trade tensions between India and the United States over India's oil purchases from Russia. US President Donald Trump recently increased tariffs imposed on Indian goods to 50 per cent, in what is seen as a sign of his frustration over failing to stop the Russia-Ukraine war.

Concluding the important trip, the External Affairs Minister reaffirmed the strength and depth of the India-Russia strategic partnership.

During the three-day visit, the External Affairs Minister called on Russian President Vladimir Putin and held meetings with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov.

Mr Jaishankar also interacted with prominent scholars and think tanks.

On 20 August, the External Affairs Minister co-chaired the 26th Session of the IRIGC-TEC with First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov.