External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the relationship between India and Russia is not just about diplomacy or economics, it is something much deeper.

“The relationship between India and Russia is not just about politics or diplomacy or economics. It is something much deeper,” Jaishankar said while interacting with Indologists at St. Petersburg State University. He added that the intelligentsia’s role and the contribution of scholars to this understanding and bonding is very important.

The EAM said India and Russia are always trying to find new linkages, common points and the intellectual world can make a difference. “We need to have a direct understanding of each other rather than by other countries or societies deciding it,” he said.

“Today, when you look at India, we are an economy, which is approaching 4 trillion dollars…You can see our effort is to ensure that in the next 25 years, we are successful and become a developed country. A developed country doesn’t just mean a developed economy, it is also a country which is aware, conscious and proud of its traditions, heritage and culture,” he said.

“Pleased to interact with prominent Indologists at St. Petersburg State University. The academic and intellectual world plays a crucial role in nurturing our relationship. They shape societal sentiment in both countries. Discussed ways and means to deepen this aspect of our cooperation. Appreciated the initiatives and ideas proposed by the Indologists in that regard” Jaishankar posted on X.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow.