Dr. S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, has reiterated that India-Russian relations remain a cornerstone of international stability.
The minister highlighted that the long-standing friendship between the two countries has continuously contributed to balance and predictability in international relations, particularly during periods of geopolitical turmoil, during his official visit to Moscow on November 17.
When Jaishankar met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, he emphasised that collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi is still advantageous to both parties as well as the larger international community.
He pointed out that the two sides had been able to maintain an open and results-driven conversation on a variety of regional and global challenges because to the breadth and regularity of bilateral contacts.
Jaishankar stated that he was pleased with the regularity and calibre of his talks with Lavrov, pointing out that six high-level exchanges had already occurred this year. He claimed that these discussions had strengthened the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” that serves as the foundation for relations between Russia and India.
Additionally, as preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India for the 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit accelerate, the conversations took place at a critical juncture.
Reviewing and advancing a number of bilateral projects and agreements across many sectors was one of the main topics of discussion. Jaishankar stated that some projects under discussion might be completed in the next few days, giving the strategic partnership more tangible value and depth.
Both sides are attempting to broaden their cooperation to include trade, technology, connectivity, and industrial cooperation in addition to the more conventional defence and energy sectors.
Speaking about global events, Jaishankar stated that the two nations have always respectfully and openly shared their opinions. He emphasised that the talks in Moscow would also address urgent international concerns like the situation in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the events in Afghanistan. He reaffirmed that India is in favour of all current initiatives to bring about peace and stability in these conflict areas.
The minister urged all sides in international disputes to cooperate in order to bring an end to hostilities.
He highlighted that the world community as a whole has a common interest in a long-lasting and comprehensive peace agreement. He pointed out that India still pursues diplomacy that promotes respect for sovereignty, communication, and de-escalation.
Jaishankar came to the conclusion that the ability of India and Russia to engage constructively on difficult global issues while continuing to strengthen bilateral cooperation demonstrates the maturity and robustness of their relationship.
According to him, the alliance is changing with the times while maintaining its core values of respect, trust, and strategic significance.
His trip to Moscow precedes the November 18 Council of Heads of Government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which will be presided over by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Under the SCO framework, India’s engagement, spearheaded by Jaishankar, demonstrates New Delhi’s ongoing dedication to regional stability and multilateralism.
