On his two-day official visit amid Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine, the External Affairs Minister met his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar and discussed many issues. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi the next day.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is on an official visit to New Delhi, said on Thursday that if India wants to buy anything from Moscow, the country is ready for discussion and Reach mutually acceptable cooperation.
Addressing a select group of journalists, Lavrov was asked how he viewed India’s position in the ongoing war, oil supply offers to India, and any confirmation of rupee-ruble payments and sanctions. He replied and said, “If India wants to buy anything from us, is ready to discuss and reach mutually acceptable cooperation,” he said, adding, “We are ready to supply any goods to India. We will be ready for whatever he wants to buy from us. We are ready for discussion. Russia and India have very good relations.”
He further said that relations with India have evolved over several decades and while answering how they can support India in terms of security challenges.
On his two-day official visit amid Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine, the External Affairs Minister met his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar and discussed many issues. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi the next day.
Lavrov also said that India can mediate Moscow and Kyiv as peace talks between the two countries Have yet to come up with a solution to end the war.
Responding to news agency ANI’s question on the possibility of India becoming a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, he said, “India is an important country. If India wants to play that role which provides solution to the problem… if India is with it that in the event of a just and rational approach to international problems, it can support such a process.”
“I believe that Indian foreign policies focus on independence and genuine national legitimate interests. The same policy is based in the Russian Federation and it makes us great countries, good friends and loyal partners,” he said.
Asked about the impact US pressure on India will have on India-Russia relations, the Russian FM said, “There is no doubt that pressure does not affect the partnership, I have no doubt that any pressure will affect our partnership.” Will not… They (America) are forcing others. To follow their politics.”
Asked about the developments in Ukraine, he also slammed the special operation in Ukraine for calling it a war, Lavrov said, “You called it a war which is not true. It is a special operation, targeting military infrastructure.” The aim is to deprive the Kyiv regime of building the capacity to present any threat to Russia.”
(ANI input)
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