Russia Preparing ‘Solid Package’ For Modi-Putin Summit: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Thursday that Moscow and New Delhi are preparing a ‘solid package’ of documents for the upcoming summit between President Vladimir Putin and PM Narendra Modi later this year.

Speaking at a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in Moscow, Lavrov said both sides held detailed discussions on the visit.

“We discussed the upcoming events, including President Putin’s visit to India by the end of this year. We plan to present a solid package of documents for this summit, and we have a good tradition of doing so,” Lavrov said.

Defence Cooperation Remains Strong

Lavrov highlighted the strong defence and military cooperation between India and Russia, noting their long history of joint exercises and military-technical collaboration.

“We have good traditions in the field of military cooperation, underpinned by our shared history,” he remarked.

The Russian Foreign Minister confirmed that he briefed Jaishankar on the situation in Ukraine and on Moscow’s ongoing talks with global stakeholders, including the United States.

He said both sides discussed the need for a rapid settlement that would protect the legitimate interests of all parties involved.

Jaishankar Calls Ties Among ‘Steadiest’ Globally

EAM Jaishankar described India-Russia relations as ‘among the steadiest of the major relationships’ in the world since World War II. He stressed that geopolitical convergence, strong leadership contacts, and popular sentiment continue to drive bilateral ties.

Jaishankar also followed up on the Inter-Governmental Commission meeting he chaired with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, reaffirming India’s ambition to expand balanced and sustainable trade with Russia.

Jaishankar said both nations agreed to address non-tariff barriers and regulatory issues to boost Indian exports in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles.

He also highlighted cooperation in fertilisers, skilled workforce exchanges in IT, construction, and engineering, as well as energy trade and investments.

The ministers reviewed major connectivity initiatives, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor, and the Northern Sea Route.

“These corridors promise to deepen economic linkages, reduce transit times, and expand trade access across Eurasia,” Jaishankar stated.

Cooperation on Defence, Terrorism, and Regional Outreach

Jaishankar reiterated that defence and military-technical cooperation remains robust, with Russia supporting India’s Make in India program through joint production and technology transfer.

Both sides also discussed counter-terrorism efforts. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and its sovereign right to defend its citizens against cross-border attacks.

The EAM further urged faster opening of two new Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg to strengthen regional engagement and boost people-to-people and trade ties.

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