India-Russia Partnership ‘Unique & Special’: S Jaishankar In 2+2 Dialogue With Russian Foreign Minister

Mumbai: Ahead of the 2+2 ministerial dialogue later today, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Monday meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New Delhi and said that the relationship between India-Russia is unique and special.

“The partnership between India and Russia is special and unique. I am confident that our discussions today will be very fruitful. The annual India-Russia summit is taking place after a gap of two years today,” EAM Dr S Jaishankar during his opening remarks.

He added, “ This is our 4th meeting this year. This is symbolic of the special and privileged strategic partnership between India & Russia. Today we have an opportunity not only to discuss our bilateral ties and global situation but we will also be participating in the first 2+2 meeting.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last month said that the agenda for the two plus two format dialogue between India and the Russian Federation will cover “political and defence issues of mutual interest”.

Underlining the importance of the India-Russia annual summit, Jaishankar said, “For us, the annual India-Russia Summit is a unique event. PM Modi & Pres Putin share a relationship of great trust & confidence. We are looking forward to some very significant outcomes from the Summit.”

Jaishankar further said that the partnership between India & Russia is ‘unique’ and ‘strong’ in a world of rapidly changing geopolitics.

“India-Russia partnership is unique. We are very conscious in a world of rapid geopolitical changes it has in fact has been remarkably steady and strong. We are very satisfied with our bilateral relations in the state of our cooperation,” EAM said during his meeting.

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in his opening remarks said, “I would like to reaffirm what you said about the nature of Russia-India relationship. We’re awaiting a 2+2 format meeting today. Significant documents drafted for signing following today’s events.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold the 21st annual India-Russia summit, later today. Both countries are expected to sign more than 10 agreements following annual talks between PM Modi and President Putin.

It will be the first face-to-face meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in November 2019.

Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu here at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.

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