Overview: Jaishankar’s Courtesy Call on Putin at SCO Summit
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meetings with fellow member states. In a courtesy gesture highlighted by diplomatic protocol, Jaishankar also held an audience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting takes place on the margins of the SCO gathering as India continues to project itself as a key player in regional security, trade facilitation, and multilateral diplomacy.
The SCO, a bloc that includes major powers and regional players, is often used by member states to discuss matters ranging from counter-terrorism and energy cooperation to infrastructure development and cross-border connectivity. For India, the Moscow stopover underscores a broader strategy of leveraging multilateral platforms to advance its international priorities while maintaining robust bilateral engagement with Russia.
What This Meeting Signals for India-Russia Ties
Putin’s meeting with Jaishankar comes at a time when both nations seek to reinforce strategic ties amid evolving global dynamics. While the SCO provides a framework for dialogue on regional security and economic collaboration, the bilateral conversations between India and Russia focus on defense, energy, and technology cooperation. Observers say the interaction signals a mutual interest in sustaining a stable, multipolar international order where both countries can coordinate on shared interests within the SCO umbrella and beyond.
From India’s perspective, strong ties with Russia remain a cornerstone of its defense imports, defense-industrial collaboration, and energy partnerships. Moscow’s assistance in areas like technology transfer and joint production remains relevant as India diversifies its supply chains and strengthens domestic capabilities. The Putin-Jaishankar exchanges are likely to touch on these themes, along with regional concerns that affect South Asia and Central Asia.
Regional Context: SCO Dynamics and Strategic Coordination
The SCO’s agenda includes security, trade, and people-to-people links. With India currently navigating regional security challenges and economic reforms, the Moscow meeting provides an opportunity to align on counter-terrorism measures, border security, and connectivity projects that benefit member states. The discussions also come as global tensions reshape energy markets and logistics corridors, areas where SCO members have substantial influence.
Jaishankar’s participation highlights India’s intent to assert leadership within the SCO’s expanding priorities—especially in areas such as infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and energy diversification. While the bloc is not a formal security pact, its members frequently use the SCO platform to coordinate positions on Afghanistan, Central Asia stability, and economic resilience in the face of external shocks.
Implications for Trade, Technology, and Energy
At the heart of the talks are pragmatic questions: how to ensure reliable energy supply, how to expand trade with minimal friction, and how to facilitate technology-sharing while addressing export controls. For a rising economy like India, bilateral agreements with Russia amid the SCO framework can unlock avenues in defense technology, space cooperation, and cyber resilience. The Moscow exchanges could also set the stage for future SCO-compatible projects that emphasize green energy, port logistics, and infrastructure modernization across member states.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the SCO Session
As the SCO session unfolds, observers anticipate a mix of formal statements and behind-the-scenes negotiations that shape future cooperation. For India, the Jaishankar-Putin engagement is a signal of sustained diplomatic momentum—one that aligns with New Delhi’s broader aim of balancing relations with major powers while advancing an autonomous foreign policy that prioritizes regional stability and economic growth.
Conclusion: A Diplomatic Dialogue in a Changing World
The meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister and Russia’s president during the SCO gathering underscores the enduring importance of bilateral diplomacy within a shifting global landscape. As India continues to project itself as a pivotal voice in regional security and economic development, the Russia-India engagement at Moscow reinforces the complementary nature of their strategic partnership within the wider SCO framework.
