S. Jaishankar’s Nostalgic Moscow Visit: A Walk Down Memory Lane Amidst Bilateral Talks
New Delhi: In a blend of diplomatic engagement and personal nostalgia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commenced his five-day visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg on Monday. Sharing fond memories of a childhood visit to Moscow, Jaishankar’s trip is poised for bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Trade Minister Denis Manturov.
Mr. Jaishankar, a seasoned diplomat, struck a nostalgic note by revisiting his childhood visit to Moscow, sharing on social media an entry pass from a 1962 commemoration for the first Russian cosmonauts at the Red Square. The entry pass, a relic from when he visited the historic site as a seven-year-old, was accompanied by a current picture of himself at the same location in sub-zero temperatures, humorously titled “How it started” and “How it is going.”
How it started How it’s going pic.twitter.com/x70purbYzF
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 25, 2023
His visit holds significance not only for its personal touch but also due to the strategic importance of discussions scheduled during the trip. Jaishankar, whose early diplomatic career involved proficiency in the Russian language, served at the Indian Embassy in Moscow in 1978. The trip is expected to cover a range of bilateral issues, including challenges in the rupee-rouble payment mechanism, delays in the supply of defense equipment, and growing trade ties.
The annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, an unbroken tradition since 2000, was omitted for the second consecutive year, ostensibly due to the Ukraine conflict. However, both leaders have engaged in other international trips throughout the year.
Jaishankar’s visit is set against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, with the conflict in Ukraine and Israel’s actions in Gaza likely to feature in discussions. Russia, openly critical of Israel’s actions, contrasts with India’s more measured stance, seen in its abstention in a critical UNGA vote.
While addressing the Russian Parliament earlier in December, Lavrov highlighted the “special and privileged strategic partnership” with India, emphasizing the focus on India along with China among countries in the Global South. Putin also lauded Prime Minister Modi for his commitment to national interests.
As Jaishankar engages in bilateral discussions with his Russian counterparts, the visit reflects not only the historical ties between the two nations but also the ongoing diplomatic challenges and opportunities shaping their relationship on the global stage.
