Jaishankar inaugurates new consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, boosting diplomatic reach in Russia – Firstpost

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday inaugurated India’s new Consulates General in the Russian cities of Yekaterinburg and Kazan, marking a significant expansion of India’s diplomatic presence and underscoring a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

At the inauguration ceremony, Jaishankar described the inauguration of the mission as an “important day” for India-Russia relations, noting that months of persistent efforts had gone into operationalizing both the posts.

“It is an important day for us when we are adding two more Consulates General in this country. I would like to say that for the last few months, work has been going on continuously for the establishment of these Consulates.” ANI Jaishankar was quoted as saying.

With the addition of the Yekaterinburg and Kazan missions, India now operates four Consulates General in Russia along with existing posts in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. Apart from its embassy in Moscow, India also maintains two honorary consuls general in Astrakhan and Yekaterinburg.

Jaishankar noted the strategic importance of Yekaterinburg in Russia’s industrial landscape and described the city as the country’s “third capital” and a major gateway to Siberia.

Highlighting their strengths in heavy engineering, gem cutting, defense manufacturing, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals and medical devices, he said the new Consulate will play an important role in deepening technological, scientific, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

“Yekaterinburg is often called the third capital of Russia due to its industrial importance and is the gateway to Siberia. Known for its heavy engineering, gem cutting, defense manufacturing, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals and medical equipment, the region hosts INNOPROM, one of the most prominent international economic forums in Russia. The opening of the Consulate will provide impetus to enable and strengthen technological, scientific, economic and trade cooperation between Indian and Russian industries,” Jaishankar was quoted as saying. Was done.

Regarding Kazan, the External Affairs Minister said the city is one of Russia’s most visited destinations after Moscow and St. Petersburg, recognized for its cultural diversity and its role as a link between Russia and Asia. He also pointed to Kazan’s industrial capabilities, which include oil production and refining, fertilizers, automobiles, defense manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment.

Jaishankar said, “Kazan is one of the most visited cities in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The region is a multicultural and multi-ethnic hub and serves as a bridge between Russia and the rest of Asia. The Consulate will help strengthen people-to-people ties by encouraging inter-cultural exchanges.”

He said, “Kazan is known for its oil production and refining, fertilizers, automobiles, defense manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and electrical equipment. I am confident that the opening of two new consulates will further strengthen India-Russia relations and will certainly mark a new phase in our relations.”

Jaishankar highlighted the massive Indian community in Russia, including over 30,000 students, noting that about 7,000 new arrivals fall under the jurisdiction of the Kazan Consulate and another 3,000 under Yekaterinburg.

In a post on He said the new consulates will enhance cooperation in various fields.

Delighted to inaugurate the Consulate General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan with DFM Andrey Rudenko, Ambassador Vinay Kumar and representatives of Sverdlovsk and Tatarstan.

It is believed that the establishment of new consulates will boost trade, tourism, economic,… https://t.co/uluc9kqm8O pic.twitter.com/oYNy1hSnqq

– Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) 19 November 2025

“Delighted to inaugurate the Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan along with DFM Andrey Rudenko, Amb Vinay Kumar and representatives of Sverdlovsk and Tatarstan. Confident that the establishment of the new Consulates will boost trade, tourism, economic, scientific, technological, educational and cultural relations between India and Russia,” the post said.

After the inauguration, he interacted with members of the Indian community and “friends of India” in Moscow and described the engagement as a pleasant experience.

“It was a pleasure to interact with members of the Indian community and friends of India in Moscow,” the external affairs minister said in another post.

It was good to interact with members of the Indian community in Moscow and friends from India.

pic.twitter.com/VmWA9cgMsf

– Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) 19 November 2025

Earlier in the day, he visited Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Moscow to pay tribute to him and said Gandhi’s ideals and teachings are “more relevant than ever.”

with inputs from agencies