Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Russia and Georgia to strengthen ties and cooperation. The details of his visit are explained as below:
Visit to Russia:
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar was on a 3-day visit to Moscow, Russia on July 7-9, 2021 to prepare ground for the annual India-Russia summit 2021.
EAM Jaishankar discusses nuclear, space and defence cooperation with Russian counterpart
Indian EAM with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov reviewed the progress on the cooperation between the two nations on space, nuclear, energy and defence sectors.
- They also discussed global and regional issues like Afghanistan, Iran and Syria.
- It should be noted that India is a partner of Russia in production and use of Sputnik V vaccine.
- Russia also supports India’s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
India, Russia to hold 2+2 dialogue in 2021
India and Russia will hold the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers as per mutual convenience in 2021. This dialogue will be on the same pattern as with India-United States (US)
- It will be held on the lines of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephonic discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission-TEC (IRIGC-TEC)
S. Jaishankar and Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Yury Borisov Co-Chaired India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission-TEC (IRIGC-TEC).
It should be noted that, Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is piloting Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, which has partnered with the Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to supply COVID-19 doses vaccine in India.
Visit to Georgia:
S Jaishankar was on a two days visit to Georgia on July 9-10, 2021 where he landed in its capital Tbilisi. Notably, this was the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) to Georgia since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This was also the first visit by an Indian EAM to Georgia in the last 40 years as Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Georgia in June 1978 as EAM.
S Jaishankar handed over relics of 17th century Georgian Queen St. Ketevan to Georgia
On the request of Georgia, EAM handed over the holy relics of 17th century Georgian Queen St. Ketevan nearly 16 years after they were found in Goa.
About St. Ketevan:
She was from Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was tortured and killed in 1624 in Shiraz during the rule of the Safavid dynasty and her relics were brought to Goa in 1627. In 2005, after years of research and study of medieval Portuguese records, the relics were found at the St. Augustine Church in Old Goa.
India, Georgia agree to work jointly to strengthen their ties
During talks with Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Finance Minister David Zalkaliani, both sides agreed to work jointly to strengthen their relationship.
- They also discussed bilateral economic cooperation, trade and connectivity.
- Indian EAM invited David Zalkaliani to India with a business delegation and also invited Georgian companies to invest in India.
Indian EAM also congratulated Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee Darpan Prasher who is a Vice President at the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Georgia.
EAM Jaishankar unveils statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Georgia
S Jaishankar and David Zalkaliani unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tbilisi Park, Georgia.
Recent Relate News:
S Jaishankar visited the United States (US) from 24th May to 28th May2021 where he met Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and participated in a productive strategy session with the team in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.
About Russia:
Capital– Moscow
Currency– Russian ruble
About Georgia:
Capital– Tbilisi
Currency– Georgian lari
