Thank you.
Good afternoon. Let me begin by saying that it is a pleasure to be back in Moscow, and I thank you, Minister Lavrov for the warm hospitality and the substantive discussions we have just concluded.
Our meeting allowed a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of India–Russia bilateral relations. We believe that relations between India and Russia have been among the steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War. Geo-political convergence, leadership contacts and popular sentiment remain its key drivers.
On trade and economic cooperation, I followed up with Minister Lavrov the proceedings of yesterday’s meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission that I chaired with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. We reaffirmed our shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing India’s exports to Russia. This requires swiftly addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments. Enhancing Indian exports to Russia in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles will certainly help to correct the current imbalance. Steps to ensure long-term supply of fertilizers was also taken up. Indian skilled workers, especially in IT, construction, and engineering, can address the labor needs in Russia and deepen collaboration. Sustaining energy cooperation through trade and investments is also important.
We also spoke about the connectivity initiatives including the International North‑South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok eastern maritime corridor, and cooperation in the Northern Sea Route. These corridors promise to deepen economic linkages, reduce transit times, and expand trade access across Eurasia and beyond.
Our defence and military-technical cooperation also remains robust. Russia supports India’s "Make in India” goals, including through joint production and technology transfer.
The opening of two new Indian Consulates – in Kazan and Yekaterinburg – need to be fast-tracked, that was also a subject of our conversation today. These consulates will further deepen our regional outreach and enhance trade and people-to-people ties.
I took up the issue of Indians serving in the Russian Army. While many have been released, there are still some pending cases and some missing persons. We hope that the Russian side would expeditiously resolve these matters.
On global and multilateral cooperation, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to reform of global governance. We underlined the imperative to expand and energize the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities. Our collaboration in G20, BRICS and the SCO remains deep-rooted and forward looking.
On regional issues, we discussed developments in Ukraine, Middle East, West Asia and Afghanistan, and I want to say that India’s approach continues to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy as essential to resolving differences.
On terrorism, we resolved to fight jointly against all forms and manifestations of terrorism. I conveyed India’s strong resolve to adopt a zero‑tolerance policy against terrorism and our sovereign right to defend our citizens against cross-border terrorism.
I also invited the Minister to pay a visit to India to continue our dialogue.
In conclusion, let me thank him and his colleagues for an open and productive exchange of views. We look forward to nurturing this relationship further in the very spirit that has underpinned it for decades.
Thank you.
Moscow
August 21, 2025