India Strengthens Ties with Russia: Jaishankar Unveils Two New Consulates
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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has marked a significant milestone in the country's relationship with Russia by inaugurating two new consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg. The move is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and pave the way for increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations. The consulates will cater to the growing Indian diaspora in Russia, comprising over 30,000 students, and provide enhanced diplomatic presence in the region. Jaishankar emphasized that the new missions will boost trade, technology, and scientific cooperation between Indian and Russian industries, with a goal of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The inauguration comes at a time when India is navigating a delicate balance between its relationships with the US and Russia. Despite pressure from the US to reduce purchases of Russian energy and military hardware, India is committed to strengthening its ties with Russia. The annual India-Russia Leaders Summit, scheduled for early December, is expected to further solidify the partnership. Jaishankar's visit to Russia also saw meetings with top officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and President Vladimir Putin. The minister's discussions with Putin focused on preparations for the upcoming summit, while his meeting with Manturov covered progress since the last India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting in August 2025. Meanwhile, in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Nikolai Patrushev, the chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, to discuss cooperation in the maritime domain, including new opportunities for collaboration in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding, and the blue economy. The opening of the two new consulates is a significant development in India's foreign policy, underscoring the country's commitment to strengthening its relationship with Russia while navigating complex global dynamics.
