India, Russia Set to Finalise Key Agreements Ahead of Putin’s Delhi Visit

India and Russia are preparing to finalize a set of new agreements and initiatives ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi early next month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

said on Monday.Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as part of the preparations for Putin’s trip for the 23rd annual India–Russia summit.“This particular occasion, for me, is all the more important as we prepare for President Putin's visit to India for the 23rd annual summit,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks.He said the two sides were working on “a number of bilateral agreements, initiatives and projects” across multiple sectors. “We look forward to their finalization in the coming days,” he said, adding that these steps “will certainly add more substance and texture to our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”Putin is expected to arrive in India around December 5 for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Last year, Modi traveled to Moscow for the annual summit.India’s Position on Russia-Ukraine ConflictJaishankar reiterated India’s support for recent diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.“India supports recent efforts towards establishing peace. We hope that all parties approach that goal constructively,” he said. “An early cessation of the conflict and the ensuring of an enduring peace is in the interest of the entire international community.”Jaishankar said India-Russia ties have “long been a factor of stability in international relations” and that the evolution of the partnership serves the interests of both countries and the wider world.Global Issues on the AgendaThe two ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments.“We will also be exchanging views on the complex global situation with the openness that has always characterized our ties. This includes the Ukraine conflict, as also the Middle East and Afghanistan amongst others,” Jaishankar said.Officials described Jaishankar’s Moscow visit as an important step in preparing deliverables for the summit, which is expected to produce significant outcomes to strengthen strategic cooperation.India and Russia hold an annual summit between their leaders to review bilateral ties. So far, 22 such summits have been held alternately in both countries. Russia remains a longstanding and “time-tested” partner for India, and a key pillar of New Delhi’s foreign policy.The two countries are expected to use the upcoming summit to discuss expanding cooperation within their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” including ongoing projects and new areas of collaboration.