Jaishankar’s Russia Visit to Deepen India-Russia Ties

New Delhi, August 22, 2026 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will undertake a two-day official visit to Russia from August 23 to 24, highlighting continued efforts by New Delhi and Moscow to strengthen their longstanding partnership. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Jaishankar will co-chair the 27th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). The visit is being made at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. During the visit, Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and exchange views on regional and global developments. The trip comes as India and Russia continue to expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, science and technology. It also follows a meeting of the Working Group on Planning of the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation in New Delhi on August 20-21, where both sides reviewed their joint activity plan and discussed measures for 2027 and greater interaction between their armed forces. “On August 20-21, a meeting of the Working Group on Planning of the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation was held in New Delhi. The sides reviewed the results of the joint activity plan for the current year, outlined measures for 2027 and discussed ways to expand interaction between the armed forces of the two countries,” the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement on its official Telegram channel on Friday. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently praised India’s “remarkable success” in the economic, social, scientific and technological spheres, saying the country was “rightfully enjoying high esteem” on the world stage. Jaishankar and Lavrov had also met in Manila in July to review bilateral relations and discuss the Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Gulf region. Jaishankar also raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the region. “An in-depth review of our bilateral relations with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. Reiterated our strong concern regarding the safety of Indian seafarers in the region. Discussed various aspects of our partnership, including trade & investment, energy and connectivity, science & technology, and mobility. Also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. His upcoming visit is expected to further advance discussions on the key areas shaping the India-Russia relationship.