India and Russia have deepened their engagement, driven by frequent high-level exchanges and a commitment to increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries is 'rooted in trust and mutual respect'.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised India's 'independent foreign policy' and said the two countries have close coordination on foreign policy matters.
The two sides aim to conclude the India-Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement and address non-tariff barriers and regulatory impediments to boost trade.
Jaishankar noted that Russia is India's 'foremost partner' in civil nuclear energy, and the two countries are working together to increase nuclear energy generation capacity.
Lavrov said India's influence is growing in the emerging multipolar world and Russia looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit this year.
