Indian minister flags strong Russian trade ties on Moscow tour

In a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the significant progress in India-Russia bilateral trade, surpassing USD 50 billion.

Jaishankar emphasised the potential for further growth and the need to give the trade relationship a more sustainable character.

"I would like to highlight the progress we have and trade, which is in excess of a turnover of USD 50 million, and we believe that this is something whose potential is now only beginning to be visible. It is important that we give it a more sustainable character, and we discussed how we should do that," said Jaishankar.

Addressing key aspects of collaboration, the EAM discussed the nuclear sector, highlighting the signing of crucial agreements related to the Kudankulam project. He revealed the finalisation of a substantial agreement on nuclear fuel supply, indicating advancements in India-Russia cooperation in the nuclear domain.

"The second aspect pertains to the nuclear side and we signed agreements yesterday that would take the Kudakulam project forward. And also, we have finalised a very significant agreement on nuclear fuel supply," he added.

During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal greetings to President Putin. He mentioned that PM Modi had sent a letter expressing thoughts on the state of cooperation and recent progress.

"Please allow me to convey the personal greetings of Prime Minister Modi and he has also, through me, sent a letter to you, a letter expressing his thoughts about, the state of our cooperation and the progress that we have made in recent days. And I will have the honour to give you the letter," said Jaishankar.

" Certainly, he (PM Modi) looks forward to visiting Russia next year. And I'm sure that we will find a date that is mutually convenient from the political calendars of both countries," the EAM said, responding to President Putin's invitation to PM Modi.

Jaishankar took the opportunity to update President Putin on the progress made over the last two days, including discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"I would also, extensively, like to take the opportunity to share with you aspects of the progress that we have made and in the last 2 days, I had a chance to discuss it with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and today with Lavrov," the EAM said.

The EAM is on a Russia visit from December 25 to 29 as a part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides.

(ANI)