Astana/New Delhi, July 3 (Reporter) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Astana during which he raised strong concern on the Indian nationals who are in the Russia-Ukraine war zone, and pressed for their safe and expeditious return. In a post on X, the EAM said that the two sides held wide ranging discussions on the bilateral partnership and contemporary issues. “Good to meet Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Astana today. “Wide ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership and contemporary issues. Noted the progress in many areas since our last meeting in December 2023. “Raised our strong concern on Indian nationals who are currently in the war zone. Pressed for their safe and expeditious return. “Also discussed the global strategic landscape and exchanged assessments and views.” Earlier this month, on June 11, the MEA said that two Indian nationals recruited by the Russian Army had been killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and added that India has strongly taken up the matter with Russia for the early release and return of all Indian nationals with the Russian Army. India has also demanded that there be a verified stop to any further recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army, adding that such activities “would not be in consonance” with the bilateral partnership. Jaishankar is in Astana at the head of the Indian delegation to the SCO Summit...////...