India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, is scheduled to meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow today. The focus of their discussion will revolve around present and future areas of collaboration between the two nations, aiming to map out the forthcoming engagements between their leaders.

Jaishankar's five-day visit to Russia includes crucial discussions aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties. During his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, both sides engaged in talks centered on enhancing trade and signed multiple agreements, notably one regarding future units of the Kudankulam nuclear power project in Tamil Nadu.

The agenda for the Lavrov-Jaishankar meeting encompasses a broad spectrum, emphasizing sustainable transport, logistics, financial chains, and increasing the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, according to a statement from the Russian government.

Among the key discussion points are cooperation in high-tech sectors like space and nuclear energy, joint projects for hydrocarbon development in regions like the Arctic shelf and Russia's Far East. Furthermore, the ministers are expected to deliberate on international issues, including cooperation within various global platforms such as the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G20, and the priorities during Russia's chairmanship of the Brics grouping.

The talks will delve into forming a fair security structure in the Asia-Pacific region, evaluating the situations in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Emphasizing the commitment to multipolarity, the statement highlighted Russia's support for countries in the Global South to safeguard their political and economic sovereignty amidst emerging neocolonial practices.

Jaishankar's prior discussions with Manturov, who also serves as Russia's industry and trade minister, primarily centered on financial and economic matters.

India-Russia trade has significantly expanded to $50 billion this year, propelled by New Delhi's increased purchases of Russian crude, especially after Western sanctions were imposed on Russia post its Ukraine invasion last year. However, the trade balance tilts in favor of Russia, prompting India's eagerness to boost its exports.

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