Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday met Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia in Russia, to discuss avenues for strengthening India-Russia relations.
Rijiju described the meeting as “enriching” and highlighted the scope for enhancing cultural and developmental cooperation. “Had an enriching interaction with H.E. Mr. Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia of the Russian Federation & his delegation at Parliament, New Delhi. Our conversations reflected the enduring India-Russia bond & the scope for deeper cultural & developmental ties,” Rijiju posted on X.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid continuing high-level exchanges between India and Russia. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him on his meeting in Alaska with US President Donald Trump, which primarily focused on the Ukraine conflict.
PM Modi reiterated India’s position, stressing the need for a peaceful resolution. “India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I thank my friend, President Putin, for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska,” Modi said in a post on X.
India also welcomed the progress made at the US-Russia summit, with the Ministry of External Affairs noting that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable way forward. “India welcomes the Summit meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Their leadership in the pursuit of peace is highly commendable,” the MEA had said earlier.
The Alaska summit, which was initially expected to run for seven hours, concluded in less than three. Both leaders delivered brief prepared remarks afterward but did not take questions from the press, according to Al Jazeera.