Finance Minister Meets Russian Envoy to Deepen India-Russia Ties

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Russia's Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, in the national capital on Friday. The meeting centred on trade, investment and efforts to build stronger financial ties between the two nations.

The Finance Ministry stated that the discussions sought to consolidate financial and economic cooperation. Key goals included easing bilateral trade, boosting investment flows and exploring avenues for improved financial connectivity.

Both countries affirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership that continues to grow. The ministry's statement highlighted the shared determination to deepen collaboration in the years ahead.

The meeting coincides with ongoing negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union on a free trade agreement. The EAEU comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.

Last month, Piyush Goyal met Andrei Slepnev, Trade Minister of the Eurasian Economic Commission, to discuss how to accelerate FTA talks and widen market access. The dialogue placed particular emphasis on pharmaceuticals, technology and automobiles.

Goyal said the talks also considered opportunities to strengthen India-EAEU economic engagement and expand bilateral trade. Together, these meetings reflect a broader effort to enhance India's economic outreach across the Eurasian bloc.