'Geopolitics, strategic convergence to keep India-Russia ties on positive trajectory': Jaishankar ahead of Moscow talks

Ahead of talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and other top leaders, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that geopolitics and strategic convergence will always keep India-Russia ties on a positive trajectory.Taking to X, Jaishankar, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, said, "Arrived in Moscow. Look forward to my engagements.""Geopolitics and strategic convergence will always keep India-Russia ties on a positive trajectory," he posted on X on Monday as he interacted with strategic experts."An open and forward-looking interaction with leading representatives of the Russian strategic community. Spoke about the importance of rebalancing and the emergence of multipolarity," Jaishankar added."Exchanged views on how India-Russia ties will develop in that framework. Also discussed connectivity, multilateralism, big power competition and regional conflicts, he said. "Geopolitics and strategic convergence will always keep India-Russia ties on a positive trajectory," Jaishankar emphasised.Despite Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the bond between India and Russia remains robust. India, so far, has refrained from condemning the Russian actions and continues to emphasise the need for resolving the crisis through diplomatic means and dialogue.Jaishankar is set to meet with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, to address economic engagement matters. Additionally, discussions with his Russian counterpart Lavrov are planned to cover a range of topics, including bilateral, multilateral, and international issues."The time-tested India-Russia partnership has remained stable and resilient and continues to be characterised by the spirit of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in New Delhi ahead of Jaishankar's visit."Focusing on the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between our two countries, the external affairs minister's programme will include engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg," the MEA said.The Indian and Russian sides are expected to discuss various aspects of the bilateral relations, especially in areas of trade, energy, defence and connectivity.India's import of Russian crude oil has gone up significantly despite increasing disquiet over it in many Western countries.With inputs from agencies