Context:
- India and Russia are preparing to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership amid evolving global geopolitical tensions.
- The discussions are linked to the upcoming 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit, expected in the first week of December, coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.
- The engagement reflects continuity in India’s multi-alignment foreign policy and its emphasis on strategic autonomy.
Key Highlights:
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
- This was their sixth meeting in 2024, underlining the intensity of bilateral diplomatic engagement.
- Separately, Nikolay Patrushev, close aide to President Putin, met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi to discuss security and strategic issues.
Proposed Agreements and Cooperation Areas
- The forthcoming summit aims to finalise new bilateral agreements, particularly in:
- Defence cooperation
- Mobility and movement of professionals
- These agreements are expected to further institutionalise cooperation in strategic and people-centric domains.
Global and Regional Issues Discussed
- Both sides exchanged views on:
- The Ukraine conflict
- Developments in the Middle East
- The situation in Afghanistan
- India reiterated its position supporting:
- Peaceful resolution of conflicts
- Early cessation of hostilities in Ukraine
Energy Security and Strategic Autonomy
- The meeting occurred amid pressure from the United States regarding India’s import of Russian crude oil.
- India maintained that:
- Energy import decisions are guided by national interest
- Priority is given to protecting Indian consumers in a volatile global energy market
- This stance reflects India’s commitment to independent foreign policy decision-making.
Strategic Significance of India–Russia Relations
- India described the partnership as a factor of stability in international relations.
- The relationship continues to:
- Evolve with changing global realities
- Serve mutual national interests
- Contribute to regional and global balance
- Russia remains a key partner in:
- Defence supplies
- Energy cooperation
- Multilateral forums such as the SCO
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper 2 (International Relations):
- India–Russia strategic partnership
- Defence and energy diplomacy
- India’s position on global conflicts
- Strategic autonomy and multi-alignment
- Prelims:
- Annual India–Russia Summit
- Strategic partnership
- SCO and bilateral agreements