The Visit
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Russia on 23 and 24 August to co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation, and to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Trade, energy, defence and connectivity are on the agenda.
The Trade Picture
Bilateral trade reached about $68.7 billion in 2024-25, weighted heavily toward Indian energy imports. Both governments have set a target of $100 billion by 2030, which would require a broader basket than crude and fertiliser.
The Context
The visit takes place amid US tariff pressure on Indian exports and ahead of an expected India visit by President Vladimir Putin, making it a preparatory round as much as a review of existing cooperation.