In November 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held discussions in Moscow ahead of an imminent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This meeting marked a significant event as it occurred shortly before Putin's planned visit to India, his first since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The two nations emphasized their strategic partnership, with Russia prioritizing its relationship with India amidst rising tensions due to Western influence, especially from the United States. During these talks, both Lavrov and Jaishankar highlighted efforts to enhance economic and strategic ties, particularly through the development of transport and logistics chains resilient to external pressures. India has faced criticism from the US for its oil imports from Russia amidst sanctions related to the Ukraine war, leading to economic negotiations aimed at addressing trade imbalances. Currently, India's exports to Russia stand at $5 billion compared to $64 billion in imports from Russia, with plans to ramp up bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Moreover, Jaishankar noted active discussions regarding various bilateral agreements and initiatives that could deepen the partnership between New Delhi and Moscow, describing their relationship as a stabilizing factor in international relations. The upcoming summit is described as crucial, particularly in light of US efforts to shift India’s dependency away from Russian oil, which has been a point of contention In preparation for the summit, discussions also included potential agreements on labor mobility, aiming to increase the number of Indian professionals working in Russia. As both countries navigate this complex geopolitical landscape characterized by Western sanctions and economic constraints, their longstanding partnership continues to evolve, underscoring a mutual commitment to bolster cooperation in multiple sectors even as external pressures mount.