Jaishankar on 3-day Russia visit: EAM to attend key meets in Moscow from August 19-21; trip amid tension with US

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar will be on an official visit to Russia from August 19 to August 21, said the ministry of external affairs.The minister will be attending the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) scheduled for 20 August 2025. "At the invitation of First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will undertake an official visit to Russia on 19-21 August 2025 to co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) scheduled for 20 August 2025. EAM will address the India-Russia Business Forum meeting in Moscow," the MEA said.New Delhi and Moscow have talked up their “strategic partnership” since US President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on Indian imports earlier this month over its purchases of Russian crude, which he claimed was fueling Moscow’s war in Ukraine.Earlier this month, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin, a day after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports in response to New Delhi’s continued purchase of crude oil from Moscow, bumping up the total tariff to 50 per cent.The Kremlin published footage of Putin shaking hands with Ajit Doval, though provided no details of what was discussed in the meeting. Doval also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon. The visit is expected to take place by the end of 2025. "We are very excited and delighted to learn about the visit of President Putin to India. I think that the dates are almost finalised now," Doval said.