During External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Moscow, he emphasized the importance of diversifying India-Russia economic ties amid rising trade tensions with the United States. Jaishankar highlighted a remarkable surge in bilateral trade, which has increased by 700% over the past five years, reaching USD 68 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, while also addressing the growing trade imbalance, which has ballooned significantly due to increased imports of Russian hydrocarbons. He urged Russian businesses to engage more actively with Indian counterparts, leveraging initiatives like “Make in India” to create opportunities in sectors such as fertilizers and machinery. Jaishankar called for the removal of trade barriers and the establishment of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, viewing it as essential for sustainable economic cooperation and enhancing connectivity through strategic trade corridors. He also warned against over-dependence on a limited range of trading partners, advocating for a more resilient supply chain and the exploration of new markets to mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, discussions at the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) included improving logistics and streamlining payment mechanisms, indicating a forward-looking approach to deepen the strategic partnership. Given the geopolitical backdrop marked by U.S. tariff increases and strained relations, Jaishankar’s outreach signifies India’s commitment to maintaining a balanced foreign policy while reinforcing its enduring ties with Russia. Overall, the visit encapsulated a pivotal moment for India to navigate complex global dynamics while solidifying its economic collaboration with Russia, thereby affirming its strategy of multi-alignment in foreign relations.