India, Russia to Maximise Complementarity: Jaisha

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Thursday that India and Russia’s shared goal is to “maximise complementarity,” voicing confidence that his talks in Moscow would ensure a more “fruitful and outcome-oriented” annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin later this year.

During his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Jaishankar said both nations were reviewing ties in politics, trade, investment, defence, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. He stressed the need for stronger economic cooperation as a foundation of the strategic partnership.

Jaishankar recalled recent high-level engagements, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit, IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s trip, and NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Berry’s participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He also pointed to his “productive” discussions with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on bilateral cooperation.

“The global context today is marked by evolving geopolitics and shifting trade patterns. Strengthening complementarities between us is vital,” he said.

On Wednesday, Jaishankar co-chaired the 26th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) and later addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, urging businesses to scale up trade, investments, and joint ventures.

“An enduring partnership must rest on a strong economic component,” he emphasised.