India Bolsters Diplomatic Ties: Jaishankar to Visit Moscow, Wang Yi to Visit New Delhi
India is intensifying its high-level diplomatic interactions with Russia and China amidst growing uncertainty over its trade relations with the United States, following the imposition of significant tariffs on Indian goods.
Jaishankar to Russia
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to travel to Russia on August 21 to engage in talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These discussions are part of the groundwork for the forthcoming Russia-India annual summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit India later this year.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the ministers will address major topics on the bilateral agenda and explore areas of collaboration within the global framework. This visit follows National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s recent trip to Russia, where he met Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and had a direct meeting with President Putin. Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently had a detailed phone conversation with President Putin.
Wang Yi’s Visit to India
According to sources, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit New Delhi before Jaishankar's planned visit to Moscow. The visit aims to continue high-level discussions concerning India-China border issues. During his trip, Wang Yi is scheduled to meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and other senior officials.
The dialogue between India and China follows Operation Sindoor, where Lt. Gen. Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, noted reports of China providing real-time intelligence to Pakistan during the brief conflict. Wang Yi's engagement is also seen as preparation for Prime Minister Modi's anticipated visit to Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Nevertheless, India is likely to remain cautious due to China's strong alliance with Pakistan.
Global Context and Strategic Engagements
In advance of these diplomatic visits, both Russia and China are conducting consultations with international and regional partners. Reports from Russian media suggest that Foreign Minister Lavrov will accompany President Putin to Alaska for the August 15 U.S.-Russia summit with President Donald Trump, which India has welcomed as a potential step towards resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On August 11, Prime Minister Modi held a conversation with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, advocating for a peaceful resolution.
In the wake of trade tensions arising from the U.S.’s elevated tariffs on India's Russian oil purchases, India has engaged with other global leaders, including Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and Uzbekistan’s President Savkat Mirziyoyev, to discuss connectivity and transit initiatives like the International North-South Corridor, designed to facilitate overland transport to Russia.
