External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, currently on a three-day official visit to Russia, held wide-ranging discussions with leading Russian scholars and think tank representatives on Wednesday. The talks covered India–Russia relations, contemporary global geopolitics, and New Delhi’s perspectives on key international issues.

“Pleased to interact with prominent scholars and think tank representatives of Russia. Discussed India-Russia relations, contemporary world geopolitics, and India’s viewpoint,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Earlier in the day, the EAM paid homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow’s Alexander Garden, a memorial honoring Soviet soldiers who died during World War II.

During his visit, Jaishankar will co-chair the 26th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) alongside First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The commission is expected to focus on advancing economic, energy, and cultural partnerships.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit underlines the “longstanding and time-tested India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” and aims to further consolidate bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Jaishankar is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The two ministers last met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting in July and again during the BRICS Summit, reflecting the steady pace of high-level engagements between New Delhi and Moscow.

Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to Moscow for consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, underscoring continued diplomatic momentum.

The series of visits set the stage for a potential high-level meeting later this year, as President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.