Key Highlights S Jaishankar chaired the consultative committee meeting on India-Russia relations. Discussions covered trade, investment, energy and connectivity. Culture and people-to-people ties were also reviewed. India reiterated its support for dialogue and diplomacy to end the Ukraine conflict. The meeting comes amid continued India-Russia diplomatic engagement. Jaishankar Chairs India-Russia Consultative Meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday chaired a consultative committee meeting focused on India-Russia relations, with discussions covering several areas of bilateral cooperation. According to Jaishankar’s post on X, the meeting reviewed India and Russia’s “multifaceted engagement” across trade, investments, energy, connectivity, culture and people-to-people ties. The meeting comes as New Delhi and Moscow continue to engage on economic, strategic and international issues amid changing geopolitical conditions. India Reaffirms Support for Dialogue on Ukraine During the meeting, Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy to end the Ukraine conflict. India has consistently stated that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be addressed through dialogue and diplomatic efforts. Earlier in September, Jaishankar said India remained in contact with both Moscow and Kyiv and was exploring ideas that could contribute to reducing or ending the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward in resolving conflicts. During his September meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Modi said India was ready to assist in peace efforts. India-Russia Economic Ties The consultative meeting also highlighted the broad economic relationship between the two countries. Areas under discussion include trade, investment, energy and connectivity. Recent India-Russia discussions have also focused on expanding bilateral trade, including greater Indian exports to Russia in sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, food, marine products, engineering goods, chemicals and textiles. Discussions have also included an India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. Continued Diplomatic Engagement The latest meeting is part of sustained high-level engagement between India and Russia. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also met in New York recently, where they discussed bilateral relations and international developments, including the Ukraine situation. India has maintained engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while continuing to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the route toward resolving the conflict.
