Diplomatic Dynamics: India’s Strategic Engagement with Russia and China Amid Global Tensions

India is intensifying its diplomatic engagements with Russia and China amidst global trade tensions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral ties, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit India for boundary talks with NSA Ajit Doval. These meetings aim to ease tensions, strengthen partnerships, and prepare for key summits, including the SCO Summit in China. Meanwhile, India navigates trade challenges with the U.S., fostering BRICS cooperation to counter evolving global dynamics.

In the midst of heightened diplomatic activity among BRICS nations following the latest tariff measures by U.S. President Donald Trump, India is stepping up its engagement with key global players. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on August 21, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit India next week for boundary talks with National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval under the special representatives’ mechanism.

Although India has not yet formally confirmed these high-level meetings, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced the Jaishankar-Lavrov dialogue on Wednesday. The discussions will focus on bilateral ties and collaborative efforts within international forums. Additionally, the meeting may finalize details for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated visit to India later this year.

Sources in New Delhi have indicated that Wang Yi’s visit, likely to commence by August 18, has been in the planning stages for some time. This meeting is expected to address ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions between Indian and Chinese troops along the border. It may also set the stage for a potential bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, scheduled for August 31 to September 1. Notably, this would be PM Modi’s first visit to China in seven years.

Renewed Focus on India-China Relations

As part of the boundary talks, NSA Doval and Wang Yi, who serve as special representatives for their respective nations, are slated to discuss measures to stabilize bilateral ties. Last December, Doval visited China to engage in discussions with Wang following an agreement between Modi and Xi in October 2024 to ease tensions. In another sign of easing relations, China has recently relaxed restrictions on urea exports to India. Moreover, both nations are exploring the early resumption of direct flights to bolster connectivity.

India-Russia Dialogue: Strengthening Strategic Ties

The Jaishankar-Lavrov meeting is expected to provide India with valuable insights into Moscow’s perspective on the recently concluded Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Discussions may also touch upon preparations for a potential Modi-Putin meeting at the SCO Summit in Tianjin. This engagement underscores India’s intent to maintain strong ties with Russia despite global geopolitical shifts.

Last week, NSA Doval met Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu in Moscow and held discussions with President Putin. During his upcoming visit to Moscow, Jaishankar is also likely to meet Putin, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

U.S. Relations: Navigating Trade Challenges

India’s relationship with the United States remains robust in most sectors, though trade continues to be a contentious issue. Members of the parliamentary panel on external affairs were informed that the recent Trump-Putin summit, which focused on the Ukraine conflict, might persuade Washington to reconsider the additional 25% tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian crude.

Looking ahead, PM Modi may travel to the U.S. in late September to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he could meet President Trump. Modi is provisionally listed as a speaker for the General Debate on September 26. The two leaders last met in February, and while they missed a face-to-face interaction at the G7 Summit in June, they have maintained communication over the phone.

BRICS Leaders Boost Coordination

Amid escalating trade tensions with the U.S., BRICS leaders have intensified their outreach to strengthen multilateral ties. On August 7, PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss trade. Lula has also engaged with Xi Jinping in recent weeks. Following the U.S. tariff announcement, Putin and Modi held a call to reaffirm their commitment to deepening ties and discussed the Ukraine conflict. Modi has also spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who urged India to limit its imports of Russian oil and expressed interest in meeting Modi at the UNGA.

As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, India is strategically positioning itself by fostering stronger ties with key partners such as Russia and China while navigating its complex relationship with the United States. The upcoming high-level meetings reflect India’s proactive diplomatic approach to address regional and global challenges while safeguarding its national interests.