New Delhi, Nov. 20 -- External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday inaugurated consulates of India at Kazan and Yekaterinburg, saying the two new missions in Russia mark "a new phase in the bilateral relationship." While Kazan is known for its oil production and refining, fertilizers, automobiles, defence manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and electrical equipment; Yekaterinburg is recognised for its heavy engineering, gem-cutting, metallurgy, nuclear fuel, chemicals and medical equipment. Yekaterinburg's industrial importance also stems from its defence manufacturing. "I am confident that with the opening of the two new consulates, there will be a further strengthening of India-Russia ties and this will surely mark a new phase in our relationship," Jaishankar said. The consulates have been opened at a time when India is facing renewed pressure from the US to reduce purchases of Russian energy and military hardware as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine. "The opening of these consulates will not only enhance India's diplomatic presence in Russia but will act as a catalyst to further boost trade, to increase tourism, economic, scientific, technology, even academic and cultural ties between our two countries. The consulates will contribute to our joint efforts in increasing our bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, as envisaged by the leaders," he said. The opening of the consulate in Yekaterinburg, he said, will give impetus to enable and to strengthen the technological, scientific, economic and trade collaboration between Indian and Russian industries. The Kazan consulate will help strengthen people-to-people ties Jaishankar said....