‘Special Partnership’: Patrushev–PM Modi talks set stage for India–Russia Summit, Putin’s December visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin's top aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss key issues of bilateral cooperation.

Patrushev also reviewed preparations for the India-Russia Annual Summit, scheduled for early December during Putin’s much-anticipated visit to India.

Russia says both sides keen to deepen maritime cooperation

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

In a statement shared on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in India said, "On November 18, in New Delhi, Aide to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia Nikolai Patrushev was received by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The parties discussed various issues of Russian-Indian cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector," IANS reported.

The statement added that both sides “emphasised their mutual interest in deepening interaction between Russia and India to strengthen their maritime capabilities", noting that preparations for the upcoming summit were also discussed.

Putin is expected to visit India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. His last trip to New Delhi was in December 2021 for the 21st edition of the annual meet.

Also Read: ‘No justification, no looking away’: EAM Jaishankar reaffirms India’s right to defend against terrorism at SCO meet

Earlier in the day, Patrushev paid tribute to India’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. He also toured the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, dedicated to India’s post-independence history, and signed the visitor's book.

Jaishankar, Lavrov review strategic agenda in Moscow

On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, where they discussed the bilateral agenda and preparations for the summit, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry,"The foreign ministers reaffirmed Russia and India's commitment to building a just, multipolar world order and ensuring global security. They agreed to continue coordinating their approaches to cooperation between Russia and India in key multilateral formats— the UN, SCO, BRICS, and the G20."

Also Read: India-Russia trade ties: Commerce Secretary reviews India–EAEU FTA negotiations in Moscow

Last month, PM Modi and President Putin spoke over phone to review bilateral progress. Modi also conveyed birthday greetings to Putin and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening the strategic partnership.

The two leaders also met in September on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, discussing global developments, including the situation in Ukraine. During that meeting, PM Modi told Putin that 1.40 crore Indians are "eagerly waiting" for his December visit. "This is the definition of our deep, 'special and privileged strategic partnership'," the prime minister had said.