New Delhi: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday said strengthening the special and privileged strategic partnership with New Delhi remains one of Russia’s top foreign policy priorities, adding that India fully shares this approach.
He was addressing the international conference “India and Russia: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda” organized by the Russian International Affairs Council and the Embassy of India in Moscow.
In his video address, Lavrov said New Delhi deserves deep respect for pursuing an independent foreign policy under its commitment to strategic autonomy and consistently placing national interests first.
He noted that India’s influence is steadily growing in the emerging multipolar world as a major political and economic centre, a distinct civilisation, and a great power of the 21st century, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Lavrov said the long-standing Russia-India friendship remains a model of interstate relations based on equality, mutual trust, respect, and consideration of each other’s interests. He highlighted the importance of sustained high-level dialogue in strengthening bilateral ties.
Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi in December 2025, he said both sides reaffirmed alignment in strategic goals and adopted a comprehensive set of documents, including policy frameworks. He added that Russia is expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Moscow in 2026.
He said both countries are continuing efforts to strengthen the economic foundation of ties, noting that bilateral trade reached about USD 60 billion in 2025. He said leaders have set a target of USD 100 billion by 2030 and are working to deepen cooperation in logistics, technology, and investment.
Lavrov said both sides will continue collaboration on the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route, while improving direct settlement mechanisms. He noted that around 96 per cent of bilateral trade is already conducted in national currencies.
He also highlighted close foreign policy coordination between the two countries amid current geopolitical challenges, adding that both sides support the democratisation of international relations based on international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also addressed the event virtually, saying, “India and Russia share a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership rooted in trust and mutual respect.”
He said that decades of mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Russia have contributed to regional and global peace, stability, and progress.
The minister further said that in the current evolving geopolitical environment, bilateral engagement continues to deepen, driven by frequent high-level exchanges, according to a statement from the External Affairs Ministry.
Referring to Putin’s visit to India in December 2025, he said the visit marked new progress across a wide range of areas, including mobility of skilled professionals, health and food safety, maritime cooperation, fertilisers, customs and commerce, as well as academic and media collaboration.
He added that efforts will continue to conclude the India–EAEU Free Trade Agreement, address non-tariff barriers and regulatory challenges, and make effective use of the skilled Indian workforce.
