External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in New Delhi on Friday to discuss ways to advance the long-standing and multifaceted partnership between India and Russia.

In a post on X following the meeting, Jaishankar wrote, “Good to meet Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko of Russia today. Discussed taking forward our multifaceted bilateral cooperation. Also exchanged views on important regional, global and multilateral developments.”

The discussion builds on the momentum of recent high-level engagements between both nations. In October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

During that call, PM Modi also extended birthday greetings to President Putin, wishing him good health and success, and expressed anticipation of welcoming him to India in December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.

The two leaders last met during the 22nd Annual Summit in Moscow on July 8–9, 2024, which concluded with a joint statement titled “India–Russia: Enduring and Expanding Partnership.”

In September, Modi and Putin also met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, reaffirming their resolve to strengthen strategic ties and exchange views on major global developments, including the Ukraine conflict.

EAM Jaishankar has maintained active dialogue with Russian officials throughout the year. On the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and current geopolitical issues.

“Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of UNGA 80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East,” Jaishankar had posted earlier.

The continuing diplomatic exchanges underscore India’s focus on balancing strategic engagement with Russia while addressing evolving global challenges.