India-Russia relations are becoming deeper: Jaishankar

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday that India and Russia are continuously strengthening their "special and privileged strategic partnership" based on trust and mutual respect. He also highlighted the increasing cooperation in key areas amidst a changing global scenario.

Addressing the 'India and Russia: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda' conference via video conferencing, Jaishankar said, "India and Russia share a special and privileged strategic partnership that is rooted in trust and mutual respect." He further said, "In today's changing geopolitical landscape, our commitment is getting deeper due to regular high-level exchanges."

Referring to Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December 2025, the Foreign Minister said that the visit "opened new avenues" and expanded cooperation in areas such as skilled professionals' mobility, health and food security, maritime cooperation, fertilizers, customs, and trade, as well as educational and media exchanges.

Jaishankar emphasized that the emerging multipolar global order requires more cooperation through platforms such as BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), G20, and the United Nations. He said, "The emerging multipolar order demands wider cooperation through forums including BRICS, SCO, G20, and the UN. India, with its BRICS presidency, looks forward to working together with Russia to address common challenges in a balanced and comprehensive manner with a 'human-centric' and 'people-friendly' approach."

Highlighting strategic areas, Jaishankar clarified that Russia is a key partner in India's civil nuclear energy program, and he cited the Kudankulam project as a "shining example". He expressed confidence that Russia will continue to play its crucial role as India aims to increase its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

In conclusion, he said, "Finally, I reiterate my unwavering commitment to strengthening our time-tested partnership and cherished friendship." The Foreign Minister reiterated India's commitment to advancing bilateral relations and deepening cooperation in emerging and traditional areas in the changing global order.