Moscow: Sushma Swaraj meets Russian counterpart

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday met with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow and held talks on bilateral and regional issues.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, tweeted, "Always a pleasure to meet a good friend of India! EAM @SushmaSwaraj with Foreign Minister of #Russia Sergey Lavrov in her 1st engagement since arriving in Moscow. Both leaders had a good exchange of views on bilateral & regional issues. FM Lavrov hosted a dinner in honour of EAM."

Calling Lavrov as her good friend, Swaraj said, "I have come here for a bilateral meeting. I had no idea that he would be coming to meet me. I am obliged and thank him for finding time to meet me. India-Russia relations are warm and cordial. President (Vladimir) Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meetings have further strengthened our ties."

She added that she is looking forward to Putin's visit to India on October 4, which would further elevate India-Russia relations to the highest level.

Swaraj, who arrived in Moscow earlier today on a two-day visit, will attend the 23rd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Technical and Economic Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

IRIGC-TEC is a standing body which annually meets and reviews ongoing activities of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, science and technology, culture and other issues of mutual interest.

The commission, after taking the stock of bilateral cooperation in various fields, will provide policy recommendations and directions in the concerned fields. The last meeting of the commission was held in New Delhi in December 2017.