JAISHANKAR’S 5-DAY VISIT TO RUSSIA
Why in the News?
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commences a five-day visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- Annual summit between PM Modi and President Putin skipped for the second consecutive year, attributed to the Ukraine conflict.
Bilateral Issues Between India-Russia:
- Thorny Topics: Discussions expected on rupee-rouble payment mechanism challenges, surge in Russian oil imports, and delays in defense equipment supplies.
- Trade Concerns: Bilateral trade complexities, including delayed payments and the use of third-country currencies, to be addressed.
- S-400 Triumf Systems: Supply delays under U.S. sanctions; expected arrival in 2024.
- Multifaceted Talks: Focus on cultural ties, people-to-people connections, and discussions on international issues like Ukraine war and Israel conflict.
Jaishankar’s visit holds significance amidst evolving geopolitical scenarios, emphasizing diplomatic engagements and addressing key bilateral challenges.