Russia Reaffirms Commitment to Fertiliser Supplies Ahead of Putin’s India Visit

NEW DELHI: As diplomatic preparations intensify for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s highly anticipated visit to India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held high-level discussions in Moscow to bolster bilateral ties. During the meeting, President Putin personally assured India of continued support for its agricultural sector, specifically pledging to maintain the steady flow of vital fertiliser supplies.

A High-Level Diplomatic Exchange

Minister Jaishankar met with President Putin to deliver a personal message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting served as a crucial precursor to the upcoming BRICS summit, scheduled for September 12 in India.

Reflecting on the productive nature of the discussions, Jaishankar noted that he briefed the Russian leader on the recent 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation. The dialogue also encompassed critical regional and global issues, highlighting the strategic depth of the India-Russia partnership.

Strengthening Economic and Agricultural Ties

President Putin emphasized the multi-faceted growth in trade, particularly in the energy and agricultural sectors. Addressing the concern regarding input costs for Indian farmers, Putin stated, “Russia is doing everything to resolve this issue for Indian farmers and for the country’s agricultural sector. Russia is expanding its exports and [is] ready to continue doing so.”

Beyond agriculture, Putin lauded the progress made in nuclear energy, high-technology cooperation, and infrastructure. He attributed the rebound in bilateral trade figures largely to Prime Minister Modi’s “close eye” on the trajectory of the two nations’ relations.

Strategic Roadmap for Cooperation

Before his meeting with the President, Minister Jaishankar engaged in detailed talks with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov. Their discussions centered on a broad agenda:

• Diversification: Focusing on de-risking trade and exploring new avenues for investment.
• Industry Alignment: Enhancing business engagement by aligning institutional mechanisms with industry priorities.
• Operational Efficiency: Identifying practical logistical bottlenecks and improving policy responsiveness to streamline trade.

Looking Ahead

The diplomatic rhythm between New Delhi and Moscow remains brisk. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan, set for August 31–September 1.

Minister Jaishankar reiterated that Prime Minister Modi is eagerly looking forward to welcoming the Russian President for the BRICS summit, marking another milestone in the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations. As both countries work toward aligning their economic frameworks, the focus remains on ensuring that these high-level political commitments translate into tangible benefits for trade, technology, and food security.