S Jaishankar discusses Ukraine, India-Russia trade during meeting with Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (December 27, 2023) met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar when he invited Indian PM Narendra Modi to go to Moscow.

“We might be pleased to see our buddy, Prime Minister Modi in Russia,” Putin was quoted as saying in a press release.

Putin referred to India’s upcoming normal elections, which is slated subsequent yr, and mentioned: “I realise that subsequent yr, India’s home political calendar is just not easy. It is sophisticated contemplating that India will maintain normal elections to parliament.”

“We want success to our mates in India. We consider we’ll keep our conventional pleasant ties in any alignment of political forces,” he mentioned.

Putin and Jaishankar additionally mentioned the continuing Ukraine-Russia battle during their meeting.

He mentioned: “We know the place of Prime Minister Modi and have talked about this greater than as soon as. I’m referring to his place, his perspective to sophisticated processes, together with scorching spots, the state of affairs in Ukraine.”

“I’ve repeatedly knowledgeable him in regards to the state of affairs round this battle. I find out about his striving to resolve this downside by way of peaceable means,” Putin mentioned.

Putin mentioned India and Russia’s trade relationship is rising at a ‘assured’ tempo.

“This yr, the expansion charges had been even greater than final yr,” he mentioned.

“We are working collectively in high-tech areas, and we’re very happy to notice that regardless of the present turbulences on the earth, relations with our conventional mates in Asia, with India and the Indian individuals are making regular headway,”he mentioned.

Following his meeting with the President, Jaishankar wrote on X: “Honoured to name on President Vladimir Putin this night. Conveyed the nice and cozy greetings of PM @narendramodi and handed over a private message.”

“Apprised President Putin of my discussions with Ministers Manturov and Lavrov. Appreciated his steering on the additional developments of our ties,” he mentioned.

S. Jaishankar is visiting Russia from December 25 to 29 as part of the continuing high-level exchanges between the 2 sides.