External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow to discuss bilateral relations and preparations for the annual summit. During the press conference, Jaishankar emphasized the strength and steadiness of the India-Russia relationship, advocating for sustained energy cooperation through trade and investments. He then addressed questions about India’s oil purchases from Russia. Jaishankar clarified that India is not the largest consumer of Russian oil, that position belonging to China, and the EU being the largest buyer of Russian LNG. He further stated that India’s energy purchases are in line with its national interests and global expectations, referencing the United States’ actions in stabilizing global energy markets, which involves the purchase of oil from Russia. Jaishankar also highlighted that India has increased oil imports from the US.
Both leaders committed to expanding bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including increasing India’s exports to Russia. The leaders discussed the evolving geopolitical situation, shifting economic trade landscape, and shared goals to maximize complementarity. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, West Asia, the Middle East, and Afghanistan, with Jaishankar restating India’s preference for dialogue and diplomacy. Lavrov welcomed Jaishankar, highlighting the importance of multilateral groupings like SCO, BRICS, and G20. Jaishankar’s visit to Russia includes co-chairing IRIGC-TEC and addressing the India-Russia Business Forum.