Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised India for its balanced approach to the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing dialogue as essential for resolution. He announced Putin’s forthcoming visit to India and reiterated the importance of the Russia-India strategic partnership. Both nations seek to enhance their economic cooperation and share a vision for a multipolar world order, upholding values of mutual respect and international cooperation.
On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commended India for its measured response to the Ukraine crisis and its advocacy for resolving conflicts through dialogue. During a video address at the ‘Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda’ conference, hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council, he emphasized that enhancing the strategic partnership with India is a vital priority for Russian foreign policy.
Lavrov announced that President Vladimir Putin has received Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India, with preparations currently underway. He expressed gratitude on behalf of Russia for India’s consistent balanced stance on the Ukraine issue, highlighting Modi’s commitment to dialogue. Lavrov reiterated that talks are crucial to address the conflict’s root causes, which he believes are fundamental to achieving lasting peace.
India has long maintained that the resolution of the Ukraine crisis hinges on dialogue and diplomacy. In a recent podcast, Prime Minister Modi reiterated that a resolution can only be reached when both parties engage in negotiations, insisting that peace cannot be achieved through warfare. Modi had previously conveyed to President Putin that a resolution on the battlefield is unfeasible and emphasized the necessity for dialogue during his visit to Ukraine.
Lavrov identified NATO’s eastward expansion and Western efforts to incorporate Ukraine into the alliance as primary drivers of the ongoing conflict. He indicated that addressing these issues would facilitate a sustainable peace and political resolution in Europe. The strengthening of Russia and India’s partnership aligns with both nations’ foreign policy objectives, with Lavrov noting their shared long-standing history and mutual respect.
He emphasized that bilateral relations are underpinned by a strong economic foundation, with ongoing efforts to expand trade ties despite external pressures. Lavrov signaled aspirations to boost trade to $100 billion by 2030 as part of their strategic goals. Both nations share aligned views on a multipolar world order, advocating for diverse development models and adherence to United Nations principles.
Lavrov highlighted India’s commitment to an independent foreign policy and recognized its role as a significant global player within the multipolar world. According to him, India’s diplomatic philosophy of “The world is one family” promotes global cooperation and prioritizes collective well-being while respecting cultural identities. Russia and India actively collaborate across various international platforms, including the United Nations and BRICS.
In conclusion, Sergey Lavrov’s remarks underscore the importance of India’s balanced diplomatic framework towards the Ukraine crisis and its strategic partnership with Russia. As both nations strive for enhanced bilateral ties, they emphasize dialogue and mutual respect as foundations for peace and collaboration. The commitment to a multipolar world order further illustrates their aligned vision for international relations, highlighting India’s increasing role on the global stage.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
