CLAWS Russia Newsletter | 16 – 31 August 2025

This edition covers key developments in Russia’s international engagements. India–Russia relations grow stronger, with President Putin and Prime Minister Modi meeting on the sidelines on SCO. The Russian–Indian Intergovernmental Commission talks focused on the joint development of the Northern Sea Route and the North–South Transport Corridor. Foreign Ministers Lavrov and Jaishankar held strategic consultations in Moscow, followed by Jaishankar’s meeting with President Putin at the Kremlin, highlighting shared priorities in defense, economic ties, and multilateral diplomacy. Russia–China ties continue to deepen. President Putin also attended a formal reception for SCO leaders in Tianjin, underscoring Russia’s active role in shaping Eurasian multilateral institutions. On Ukraine, Lavrov reiterated that the legitimacy of Ukraine’s representation must be resolved before any meaningful peace agreement can move forward, directly challenging Western-led diplomatic efforts. Finally, Rosatom announced that Moscow will host the first-ever Nuclear Energy Summit on September 25, aimed at promoting Russia’s leadership in nuclear technology and global energy policy.