Synopsis
On March 7, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Russia to strengthen bilateral relations through annual consultations. The discussions will cover critical topics including trade, energy ties, and the Ukraine conflict, amidst ongoing Western sanctions.Key Takeaways
- Misri's visit aims to strengthen India-Russia ties.
- Key discussions to include trade and energy issues.
- Focus on implications of Western sanctions on Russia.
- Update on the Ukraine conflict and Indian nationals.
- Previous bilateral trade target set at $100 billion by 2030.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) In a bid to enhance the bilateral relationship, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to travel to Russia on March 7 for the annual foreign office discussions between the two nations, according to sources familiar with the situation.
This visit will serve as a platform for India and Russia to share insights on significant regional and global matters, as stated on Tuesday.
During his day-long visit, Misri is also anticipated to engage with senior officials of the Russian government, as per the sources who requested anonymity.
The discussions are likely to cover the potential impacts of new Western sanctions on Russia regarding New Delhi's energy relationships with Moscow.
This trip by the Foreign Secretary comes at a time of renewed focus on the Ukraine conflict following a recent exchange of sharp remarks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, which garnered worldwide attention.
European nations have expressed strong backing for Zelensky following the unprecedented events in the Oval Office.
Key topics for discussion during the Foreign Secretary's meetings are anticipated to include expanding trade and investment, particularly enhancing Indian exports to achieve a more balanced trade dynamic, and ensuring continued Russian energy supplies to India amid additional Western sanctions.
Last year, both nations established a goal for bilateral trade to reach $100 billion by 2030.
Currently, the two-way trade stands at approximately $66 billion, though it heavily favors Russia due to India's significant crude oil imports since 2022.
India is seeking improved access to Russian markets to achieve a more equitable trade balance.
European nations have intensified sanctions aimed at curtailing oil exports from Russia, which is one of India's top two energy suppliers. New restrictions on Russia's shadow fleet have hindered its capability to distribute oil globally.
The Foreign Secretary's visit is viewed as a chance for Russia to update India on ongoing efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, especially following Trump's recent overtures to Putin and a departure from the traditional US stance of providing security assurances to Europe.
The issue of the remaining Indian nationals serving in the Russian military is also likely to be addressed during the discussions.
In January, India reported that 12 Indian nationals had died while serving with the Russian military, while another 16 were listed as missing by Russia.
No official announcement has yet been made regarding Foreign Secretary Misri's visit.
This trip to Russia follows nearly three months after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the country.
