Vinay Kumar, the Indian envoy to Russia, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to engage in discussions regarding regional and global matters.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed upcoming high-level bilateral exchanges aimed at enhancing the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Russia stated, "Ambassador @vkumar1969 paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov; they discussed contemporary regional and global issues and upcoming high-level bilateral exchanges which would further strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."

Ambassador Kumar presented a copy of his letter of credence to Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrey Rudenko, and deliberated on additional measures to enhance the partnership between India and Russia.

"Ambassador @vkumar1969 met with and presented a copy of his Letter of Credence to H.E Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Discussions ensued regarding additional measures to strengthen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," the Indian Embassy posted on X.

The meeting between the Russian Foreign Minister and the Indian envoy signifies their initial interaction since the Indian government deployed the latter to Moscow.

Vinay Kumar belonging to the IFS 1992 batch was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation on March 19.

Russia maintains a longstanding and enduring partnership with India. The progression of India-Russia relations remains a fundamental element of India’s foreign policy.

The MEA stated that since the signing of the "Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership" in October 2000, during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, India-Russia ties have assumed a qualitatively new character. There has been heightened cooperation across various domains of the bilateral relationship, encompassing political, security, trade and economy, defence, science and technology, and culture.

The MEA further noted that under the Strategic Partnership, several institutionalized dialogue mechanisms operate at both political and official levels to ensure regular interaction and follow-up on cooperation activities.

During the visit of the Russian President to India in December 2010, the Strategic Partnership was elevated to the level of a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," as per the MEA.

The MEA also highlighted India's longstanding and extensive cooperation with Russia in the field of defence. It noted that India-Russia militaryand technical cooperation has progressed from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies and systems.

Image source: The Economic Times