.
NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar inaugurated two new Consulates General of India in Russia on Wednesday, in Yekaterinburg and Kazan. Jaishankar hailed the moment as an important day for bilateral ties.Speaking at the event, he said, “I am confident that with the opening of the two new consulates, there will be a further strengthening of India-Russia ties, and this will surely mark a new phase in our relationship.” The external affairs minister also said that the two new missions would serve the large Indian community in the country.Yekaterinburg was seen as Russia’s “third capital” because of its industrial weight and its position as a gateway to Siberia. The region is known for heavy engineering, gem cutting, defence production, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals and medical equipment. Jaishankar said the new consulate would help deepen technological, scientific, economic, and trade cooperation. A day earlier, he called on president Putin and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar said they reviewed preparations for the annual India-Russia Leaders Summit set to be held in New Delhi next month and discussed regional and global developments. “Honoured to call on president Putin of Russia in Moscow today. Conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised him of preparations underway for the upcoming Annual India-Russia Summit. Also discussed regional and global developments. Deeply value his perspectives and guidance on further advancement of our ties,” S Jaishankar wrote on ‘X’ after the meeting. Jaishankar also joined other Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of delegation in Moscow. India and Russia continue to show the resilience of their partnership, even as global tensions and ongoing Western sanctions on Russia have created challenges, including pressure on India over its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil.