Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to hold crucial talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on November 17, marking a significant step in bolstering the robust strategic partnership between India and Russia ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated visit to India in December. This high-level dialogue reflects the ongoing commitment of both countries to maintain and deepen their longstanding bilateral relations amid evolving global challenges.

The upcoming meeting will primarily focus on preparing the groundwork for President Putin’s visit, expected to take place in early December, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin are set to engage in the annual India-Russia summit. Key agenda points for Jaishankar and Lavrov will include expanding cooperation on economic, defence, and energy fronts, with particular emphasis on ongoing joint ventures and supply assurances, including those under the "Make in India" initiative. They will also review recent diplomatic exchanges and align strategies to address complex international security issues and regional conflicts, demonstrating a shared interest in multilateral coordination through platforms like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

This meeting comes against the backdrop of sustained political dialogue, such as their last encounter in September at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where discussions covered bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict, and developments in West Asia. The steady engagement underscores India's diplomatic balancing act, as it deepens ties with Western powers while retaining a strong defence and energy partnership with Moscow.

Economically, the relationship is marked by dynamic trade relations, reaching a record USD 68.7 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, illustrating the potential to further increase investments and bilateral trade volumes. Recent initiatives also include exploring new frameworks for financial transactions, such as the possible adoption of Russia's SPFS system to facilitate rupee-ruble trade, which dovetails with India’s strategy to reduce dependency on the US dollar in international dealings.

The high-stakes talks in Moscow will set the tone for the upcoming President Putin-Modi summit, reinforcing the strategic depth and resilience of India-Russia ties. In the face of shifting geopolitical landscapes, sanctions regimes, and global power realignments, both nations are keen to sustain and enhance their multifaceted partnership, ensuring mutual benefits in defence, energy security, technology collaboration, and geopolitical alignment.

This dialogue exemplifies a mature foreign policy approach where dialogue and cooperation amidst global uncertainties remain pivotal to upholding lasting international partnerships that transcend immediate pressures or alignments. The Jaishankar-Lavrov talks will therefore be a cornerstone in confirming the direction of India-Russia relations in the near future, reaffirming mutual trust and shared strategic interests as President Putin prepares for his visit to New Delhi.