Jaishankar holds talks with Putin ahead of BRICS summit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on strengthening Indo-Russian bilateral ties and addressing key global issues. The meeting reflects the continued diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Moscow at a senior level, particularly as Russia prepares for high-level participation in upcoming regional forums.

The talks covered a broad spectrum of bilateral matters spanning trade, defence, energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Both sides are expected to have exchanged views on contemporary regional and international developments, including security challenges and multilateral cooperation frameworks that affect South and Southeast Asia.

The interaction gains significance given Putin's scheduled visit to New Delhi for the BRICS leaders' summit on September 12-13. The summit, bringing together the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is expected to deliberate on economic cooperation, development financing, and responses to global geopolitical shifts.

India-Russia relations have remained strategically important, rooted in historical ties spanning defence partnerships, energy initiatives, and cultural linkages. The bilateral engagement underscores both nations' commitment to maintaining strong institutional mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation across multiple sectors.