External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that while there have been ups and downs in relationships between all countries, the only constant in global politics has been the ties between India and Russia.

He also emphasised that in the fields of defence, space and nuclear energy, countries only cooperate with those with whom they have a “high degree” of trust.

The EAM was interacting with the Indian community at an event in Moscow on Tuesday.

Addressing the event, Jaishankar said, “Relationship between India and Russia, in many ways is exceptional…if one looks at last 60, 70, 80 years of politics among the major countries. They have had their relationships, but all these relationships have their ups and downs…Russia and China, Russia and USA, Russia and Europe, India and China, India and USA. You would see over time, there are good periods, there are difficulties, stresses and very good memories and great achievements”.

He also confirmed that he will be holding a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday during his five-day visit to the country.