Sushma Swaraj raises issues of Indian students, businessman deaths with Russia's Lavrov

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday met her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow and raised issues of killing of an Indian and the death of two Indian girl students in a fire tragedy in this country besides discussing key bilateral matters.

"EAM (External Affairs Minister) raised the cases of Indian nationals Yasir Jawed (who was killed in Kazan) and Puja Kallur and Karishma Udai Bhosle (who died during a fire at the Smolensk State Medical Academy). FM Lavrov briefed on the progress of the investigations," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Swaraj raised the issue of the killing of Javed, a businessman from Srinagar who died in Russia's Kazan city last month following an attack on him by a group of local goons, and enquired about the progress of investigation into the case.

Javed was attacked by unknown miscreants in Kazan city on March 3 and died later at a hospital there after remaining in coma for several days. "I want to know about the status of the investigation. At least the guilty must be punished after the probe," Swaraj told Lavrov.

She also raised the issue of the death of two Indian girl students, who were killed in a fire at a medical university in western Russia. Kallur and Bhonsle, both from Maharashtra, were studying at Smolensk Medical Academy in Russia and lost their lives in a fire accident in February.

Swaraj also expressed regret over an acid attack on a Russian girl in India recently and said India has ensured treatment for the girl in India as well as in Russia. A 23-year-old Russian national was injured in the acid attack last November allegedly by her boyfriend following a quarrel between them.

Lavrov thanked Swaraj for dealing with the case effectively. Lavrov, on his part, said both countries should continue to work closely to further expand bilateral ties. Both sides should continuously review the agreements being signed at the highest level, he told Swaraj.

Lavrov also expressed gratitude to India for its support during Russia's chairmanship of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). He also ensured Swaraj of Russia's full support to India during its presidency of the grouping that began earlier this year.

"The two Ministers reviewed bilateral ties, with particular reference to trade and economic links. They also discussed the Annual Bilateral Summit between India and Russia, in advance of which India will host the next meeting of the Inter Governmental Commission (IRIGC) later this year," Swarup said.