External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday, marking a key step in reinforcing the long-standing Indo-Russian strategic partnership.

Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on August 19 for a three-day visit, where he co-chaired the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Alongside Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, he also addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, highlighting the potential for greater collaboration in trade and investment.

In his remarks, Jaishankar emphasized the need for a strong and sustainable economic foundation to support the strategic partnership. He called on businesses from both countries to expand trade, pursue joint ventures, and open new areas of cooperation, particularly in logistics, finance, and technology.

A major focus of his visit is on building resilient economic systems that can operate independently of external sanctions, including increasing the use of national currencies in bilateral trade.

The meeting with Lavrov is expected to cover a wide range of issues, from defence and energy cooperation to cultural and scientific exchanges. Both ministers will also review progress in infrastructure development and set the agenda for upcoming high-level engagements.

On global affairs, Jaishankar and Lavrov will exchange views on the Ukraine conflict, the Asia-Pacific security environment, Afghanistan, and the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Both sides continue to advocate for a multipolar world order as a foundation for global stability.

Indian officials stressed that mutual trust and respect remain central to Indo-Russian relations, with the Moscow talks underscoring the strategic depth and enduring relevance of the partnership in a shifting geopolitical landscape.