The first-ever 2+2 interministerial format talks between India and Russia have begun in New Delhi ahead of the grand summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began discussions with their Russian counterparts General Sergey Shoigu and Sergey Lavrov in the inaugural 2+2 dialogue between the two countries.
"India-Russia meeting today will address emergence of multipolarity and rebalancing. We look at the consequence of over-centralized globalisation. Long standing challenges of terrorism, violent extremism remain among newer challenges," said Jaishankar in his opening remarks at the meeting.
Pleased to welcome Russian FM Sergey Lavrov.
Look forward to a good discussion on our bilateral cooperation and the global situation. Will also be participating in the first 2+2 meeting thereafter. pic.twitter.com/mLVNwEZzTy
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 6, 2021
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"The situation in Afghanistan has wider repercussions including for Central Asia. Maritime security and safety is another area of shared concern. We both have common interest in ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-driven platforms," said Jaishankar.
As reported by IndiaNarrative.com, the day started with a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu discussing the Military-Technical Cooperation (MTC) between India and Russia which is expected to grow stronger after the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit.
Singh said that meeting with Shoigu was "productive, fruitful and substantial" as India values its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia.
"India deeply appreciates Russia’s strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region. Glad that a number of Agreements/Contracts/Protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation," tweeted the minister after the meeting.
