Sushma Swaraj holds bilateral meeting with Russian counterpart

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday held bilateral talks with her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in a bid to strengthen ties between the two allies.

"A bilateral with the gracious host of the RIC Conference. EAM @SushmaSwaraj holds talks w/FM Sergey Lavrov in Moscow," Ministry of External (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The relations with Russia are a key pillar of India's foreign policy.

Since the signing of "Declaration on the India Russia Strategic Partnership" in October 2000 during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, ties between both nations have acquired a qualitatively new character with enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all areas of the bilateral relationship including political, security, trade and economy, defense, science and technology and culture.

The visiting External Affairs Minister will also be meeting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin to exchange views and coordinate positions on international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Earlier today, Swaraj met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of annual Foreign Ministers' meeting of Russia, India and China scheduled here.

Swaraj arrived here last night after her successful visit to Iran.