Stories
Jaishankar Recalls 1950s Ties: 'Russia Stood by India in Difficult Times, India Has Not Forgotten'
- •External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified India's stance on its decades-old relationship with Russia, stating that India's foreign policy is dictated by national interests, strategic needs, and historical experiences, not by any Western geopolitical bloc.
- •During a discussion at the Munich Leaders Meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the strong ties between India and Russia since the 1950s, recalling the Soviet Union's support for India's security and territorial integrity during challenging times.
- •He emphasized that the India-Russia relationship has evolved beyond defense cooperation to include strategic sectors like trade, investment, energy, natural resources, nuclear energy, and space.
- •Jaishankar reiterated India's clear position on the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that India seeks an end to the conflict and believes resolution is possible only through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation.
- •India has engaged in discussions with both sides on practical issues such as the safe passage of ships in the Black Sea, grain and energy exports, demonstrating its mediating role in ending the war.
Key Questions Answered
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recalled the relationship dating back to the 1950s, noting that the Soviet Union supported India on multiple occasions when its territorial integrity and security faced challenges.
India maintains that the conflict must be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation. Beyond general appeals, India is actively discussing practical concerns with both sides, including the safe passage of ships in the Black Sea, energy exports, grain exports, and non-aggression possibilities.
India decides its foreign policy based strictly on its own national interests, strategic needs, and historical experiences rather than succumbing to pressure from Western geopolitical blocs. India views its bilateral ties with various nations through an independent lens of multi-alignment.
