Amid US-led West’s efforts to persuade India to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said staying in touch with Russia is in mutual benefit of both the countries. The two ministers met in New Delhi on Friday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) and India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar (Photo: twitter/@DrSJaishankar)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday 31 March that it is in the interest of both the countries to keep in touch with Russia. His statement came ahead of his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New Delhi on Friday.
The meeting is taking place amid the Russo-Ukraine War and the West’s efforts to get India to move away from its neutral position and condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US said on Thursday that there would be consequences for countries actively attempting to “blockage or backfill”. US sanctions Against Moscow for invading Ukraine and said it would not like to see a “rapid” acceleration in India’s imports of energy and other goods from Russia.
This is an important year in our bilateral relations as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.
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“Despite the difficulties related to COVID, last year was one of the most intense bilateral activities including the inaugural 2+2 meeting and the annual summit. PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are in regular touch. They have spoken to each other on several occasions this year,” Jaishankar said.
“Our bilateral relations have been growing in many areas. Our meeting today is taking place in a difficult international environment, India has always been in favor of resolving differences, disputes through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
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“In our meeting today, we will get an opportunity to discuss the contemporary issues and concerns in some detail. I look forward to our discussion,” Jaishankar said.