MOSCOW (Diya TV) — India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, in a sign of stable India-Russia relations, despite pressures both nations face over the Ukraine conflict.

Jaishankar, on a five-day official visit to Russia, said “it’s always good to be in Moscow. So, I agree with you that our relationship has been very strong, very steady, and I think we have lived up to the responsibilities of a special and privileged strategic partnership.” Jaishankar met with Putin after a lengthy meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

The Kremlin has emphasized the significance of India as a key partner.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar engaged in talks with Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, focusing on bilateral economic cooperation. The meetings resulted in the signing of agreements related to the construction of power-generating units at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu.

Despite global tensions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the diplomatic ties between India and Russia remain robust. India’s stance has been one of diplomatic resolution, avoiding direct condemnation of the events in Ukraine.

Addressing the media, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted the strategic nature of joint military equipment production between Russia and India. This cooperation, he stated, aligns with the interests of both countries and contributes to security on the Eurasian continent.

The ongoing economic collaboration between Russia and India, with expectations of trade exceeding $50 billion this year, adds a significant dimension to the discussions.