External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in Moscow to lead India’s participation in the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). The session, taking place on Wednesday, is part of his official three-day visit to Russia from August 19 to 21, at the invitation of Denis Manturov, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
The Commission remains one of the most important institutional mechanisms for shaping the India-Russia partnership. This round of discussions is expected to pave the way for deeper engagement in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchange. Alongside the Commission meeting, Jaishankar is scheduled to address the India-Russia Business Forum, where both sides will evaluate new opportunities to expand commercial ties and investment flows.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs underlined the significance of the visit, calling it central to advancing the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” that has bound New Delhi and Moscow for decades. The two countries have consistently maintained close dialogue, adapting their cooperation to evolving global and regional dynamics.
During his stay, Jaishankar will also hold formal talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Their discussions are expected to cover bilateral issues, regional security, and global developments. The two leaders last met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting in mid-July and again during the BRICS Summit, highlighting the frequency of high-level exchanges.
Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held consultations in Moscow with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, reinforcing the momentum of ongoing diplomatic engagement. These regular meetings demonstrate the commitment of both nations to sustain dialogue at multiple levels.
Jaishankar’s Moscow trip also precedes another possible milestone: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected visit to India, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. If it materializes, it would further underscore the vitality of the India-Russia partnership at the highest political level.
The 26th session of the Commission not only marks another chapter in India-Russia cooperation but also reflects the determination of both countries to maintain robust ties in trade, security, science, technology, and culture, despite the rapidly shifting global landscape.
