External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Moscow on Wednesday to review preparations for the upcoming India–Russia Annual Leaders Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi in early December. The discussions mark another step forward in the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.

Jaishankar shared details of the meeting on X, noting that both sides took stock of progress made since their earlier interaction during the 26th IRIGC-TEC meeting held in August 2025. He emphasized that preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit are advancing steadily. President Putin is expected in India next month for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit—his first visit since December 2021.

The meeting with Manturov followed Jaishankar’s call on President Putin a day earlier in Moscow. During that engagement, the EAM conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and provided an update on the summit’s preparations. The two leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global developments. Jaishankar later wrote that he “deeply values” President Putin’s perspectives and guidance in further strengthening bilateral ties.

Back in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met a top Kremlin official as part of the ongoing diplomatic coordination. On Tuesday, he received Nikolai Patrushev, Aide to President Putin and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia. PM Modi reaffirmed his anticipation of hosting President Putin in India next month and conveyed his warm greetings.

During their meeting, PM Modi and Patrushev discussed new opportunities for maritime cooperation, including initiatives focused on shipbuilding, connectivity, blue economy development, and skill-building. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, both sides reviewed ongoing preparations for the high-level summit.

The Russian Embassy in India confirmed the meeting in a post on Telegram, stating that discussions also covered broader areas of Russian–Indian collaboration and emphasized shared interest in expanding maritime capabilities.

As both countries finalize arrangements for the December summit, the visit is expected to reaffirm the strategic depth of the India–Russia partnership, particularly at a time of global geopolitical change. The upcoming meeting will also mark the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed between the two nations.