TSIT ■ Moscow
During bilateral talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar pointed out at “consequences of the Ukraine conflict” while mentioning concerning issues that have taken a toll on global economy. In his opening remarks, the EAM said, “The last few years of the Covid pandemic, financial pressures and trade difficulties; these have taken a toll on the global economy. We are now seeing the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on top of that,” he said as the two ministers held talks.
“There are also the more perennial issues of terrorism and climate change, both of which have a disruptive impact on progress and prosperity. Our talks will address the overall global situation as well as specific regional concerns,” Jaishankar added. He said as far as bilateral ties between the two countries are concerned, “You would agree that it is our objective today to fashion a contemporary, balanced, mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term engagement. Especially as our economic cooperation increases, this is a significant imperative.” The Minister said India and Russia engage each other in an increasingly multi-polar and re-balanced world.
We do so as two polities who have had an exceptionally steady and time-tested relationship, he added.
Dr Jaishankar appreciated the fact that the two ministers are meeting each other for the fifth time this year. “I think that speaks of our long term partnership and the importance that we attach to each other. And I am really glad to be here today in Moscow to carry forward this dialogue,” he added.
The two ministers held talks here focussing on the trade, investments, transport, logistics as well as prospective projects in the energy sector, especially in the Arctic shelf and the Russian Far East. “The key areas of cooperation with India are the further intensification of the political dialogue in a bilateral format and on international platforms, promotion of economic, financial, energy, military-technical, humanitarian, scientific and technical cooperation,” a statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry read.
The Ministers also discussed ways to further advance joint work in the key areas, as well as compare notes on the schedule of upcoming contacts.
The ministers exchanged assessments of the current international issues with an emphasis on interaction within the UN, SCO, G20 and RIC.
The Ministers also discussed India’s presidency in the SCO, efforts to fight terrorism, as well as a number of the regional issues, including the formation of a security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, the situation around the Iranian nuclear problem, state of affairs in Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine.
The visit of Jaishankar is in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides, the MEA said.
Dr Jaishankar had last visited Russia in July 2021 followed by visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to New Delhi in April this year.
