MOSCOW, Aug 21: India and Russia have pledged to expand bilateral trade in a “balanced and sustainable manner,” with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underlining the need to address non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments.
The move comes amid growing estrangement between India and the US over President Donald Trump’s policies on trade and tariffs.
The two countries believe that relations between India and Russia have been among the steadiest of major relationships in the world after the Second World War, with geo-political convergence, leadership contacts, and popular sentiment being key drivers.
Jaishankar and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov discussed ways to combat terrorism, including adopting a zero tolerance policy against terrorism and defending citizens against cross-border terrorism.
They also discussed ensuring the long-term supply of fertilisers, focusing on Indian skilled workers in IT, construction, and engineering.
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of sustaining energy cooperation through trade and investments.
The two sides also discussed the situation in Ukraine, West Asia, and Afghanistan, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as essential for resolving differences.
They mentioned ongoing preparation for the annual India-Russia summit at the end of the year and aiming to take bilateral discussions forward to achieve maximum outcomes for the Annual Summit.
India-Russia energy ties were a prominent focus in Jaishankar’s talks with Lavrov, as US President Trump issued an executive order slapping an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods as a penalty for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
India has been defending its energy procurement, stating that its procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on Wednesday.
Both sides are also known to have deliberated on the Ukraine conflict, with India consistently calling for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. (AP)
