India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to travel to Moscow in the third week of November, marking a key diplomatic move ahead of the 23rd annual India‑Russia summit scheduled from December 4 to 6. The visit coincides with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads‑of‑government meeting, providing an opportunity for India to engage with multiple regional partners while advancing bilateral priorities with Russia.

During his Moscow trip, Jaishankar is expected to hold high‑level discussions aimed at finalising strategic agreements and fine‑tuning the agenda for the upcoming summit. Sources indicate that the talks will cover a broad range of topics, including energy cooperation, defence collaboration, trade, and scientific research. The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Russia while navigating the evolving global geopolitical landscape.

Officials point out that Jaishankar’s engagement in Moscow is not limited to bilateral talks. He will also meet key Russian policymakers and business leaders to explore avenues for deeper economic and technological collaboration. With energy security and defence modernization remaining central to the India‑Russia relationship, the discussions are likely to emphasize joint projects and investment initiatives.

The 23rd India‑Russia summit is expected to provide a platform for formalising agreements on long‑term cooperation, including in nuclear energy, space, and cybersecurity. Jaishankar’s preparatory visit reflects India’s proactive diplomatic approach in ensuring that the summit delivers actionable outcomes that enhance both countries’ strategic interests.

Experts note that such pre‑summit visits are crucial in aligning policy objectives and smoothing the path for high‑level deliberations. By addressing key issues in advance, India aims to strengthen bilateral ties, promote regional stability, and foster mutually beneficial projects across multiple sectors.