New Delhi, Moscow Gear Up for Putin's Impending Visit

New Delhi and Moscow are engaged in a flurry of high-level diplomatic activity to solidify the agenda for Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to India in early December. These meetings aim to strengthen the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between the two nations.

On Monday, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow for in-depth discussions covering a wide array of bilateral, regional, and global issues. The talks included cooperation within key international forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS, the United Nations, and the G20. Jaishankar is in Moscow for a three-day visit to attend the SCO Heads of State Council meeting.

Simultaneously in New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev, a top aide to President Putin and Chairman of Russia's Maritime Board, held discussions with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and National Maritime Security Coordinator Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta. Their discussions centered on issues including maritime cooperation, signaling a mutual interest in expanding collaboration in the maritime sector.

Jaishankar emphasized the importance of his visit in light of the preparations for Putin's visit for the 23rd annual summit. He noted that numerous agreements, initiatives, and projects are under consideration across various fields and expressed optimism that they would be finalized soon, enriching the strategic partnership. Both ministers reviewed the progress of these agreements and initiatives, hoping to finalize them before the summit expected around December 5th.

The discussions in Moscow also addressed complex global matters, including the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East, and Afghanistan. Jaishankar reiterated India's support for peaceful resolution efforts in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of an early cessation of conflict and enduring peace for the international community.

India is also expected to raise concerns about Indian nationals recruited into the Russian army. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that at least 44 Indians are currently serving, and India has requested Moscow's assistance in their release and to halt further recruitment.

President Putin's last visit to New Delhi was in 2021. This year's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to further cement the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" through discussions on trade, energy, defense, logistics, and connectivity. India and Russia have a well-established tradition of annual summit talks, with 22 such meetings alternating between the two countries.