India, Russia Pledge to Boost Trade, Tackle Barriers; Jaishankar Pushes Zero Tolerance on Terrorism
Moscow: India and Russia on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral trade in a “balanced and sustainable manner,” with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressing the need to quickly resolve non-tariff barriers and regulatory hurdles.
The focus on boosting trade, particularly by enhancing Indian exports, came amid strains in India-US relations over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
“India-Russia relations have been among the steadiest of major global partnerships since World War II,” Jaishankar said at a joint media briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after their wide-ranging talks. He highlighted “geo-political convergence, leadership contacts and popular sentiment” as key drivers of the partnership.
During his Moscow visit, Jaishankar reviewed preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India later this year.
Key Outcomes of Talks:
Trade: Both sides resolved to strengthen trade by addressing barriers and expanding Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles. Long-term fertiliser supply and opportunities for Indian skilled workers in IT, construction, and engineering were also discussed.
Energy: Jaishankar underlined the importance of sustaining energy cooperation through trade and investment.
Terrorism: India and Russia reiterated their commitment to fight terrorism jointly. “India has a zero tolerance policy and will defend its citizens against cross-border terrorism,” Jaishankar asserted.
Indians in Russian Army: The minister raised concerns over Indians serving in the Russian Army, noting that while many have been released, some cases remain unresolved.
Global Governance: Both sides stressed the need to reform international institutions, including the UN Security Council, and reaffirmed cooperation within the G20, BRICS, and SCO.
Regional Issues: The Ukraine conflict, West Asia, and Afghanistan featured in the talks. Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to resolve disputes.
Energy ties were a major focus, particularly as Washington has penalized India with additional tariffs for its continued purchase of Russian oil. India has defended its imports, citing national interest and market needs.
Jaishankar also met Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, holding extensive discussions on trade, energy, and the Ukraine crisis.
India has consistently called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war through negotiations. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Putin in Moscow that “peace is not possible on the battlefield.” He later conveyed a similar message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
