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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured that India’s interests in Russian energy supplies “will not be affected” amid what he described as “unfair competition.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (File photo)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hailed Moscow’s relationship with India, saying it was “impossible to destroy”, and promised to honour all its commitments on energy exports to New Delhi, despite what he described as unfair outside pressure.
Speaking to Russia Today before his visit to India for the BRICS Summit, Lavrov recalled the history of India-Russia relationships back to the time of the Soviet Union, saying that both countries had established very strong personal relationships. “There is no one word to describe this relationship… it’s hard to imagine so rich a relationship as India and Russia drift apart,” he said.
“It’s not possible to imagine or do that. Hindi-Rusi bhai bhai is not just some funny motto; it is part of our culture. Hindi movies, Raj Kapoor, and recent movies and series in India are very popular in Russia,” he added. “Those who are worried about the future of the Russian-Indian friendship should not be.”
Lavrov Praises PM Modi
Lavrov also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “one of the most vibrant leaders in the world.”
“He not only has vibrant energy, he focuses it on very important goals and achievements – achieving absolute sovereignty in all spheres, be it the economy, military defence, culture, and naturally, maintaining the civilizational heritage that India has like no other,” he added.
He also said India-Russia relations are facing a very important phase. In addition to agreements on economic and trade matters and plans prepared during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit last year, the two countries are expected to convene on a plan to develop strategic components of economic cooperation by 2030.
India-Russia Energy Cooperation
Lavrov stressed that Russian supplies to India would continue without disruption. “I can guarantee that India’s interests as they apply to Russian supplies will not suffer. We will do everything to ensure that this unfair and dishonest competition does not damage our agreements,” he said.
He maintained that Russia has consistently met its obligations in the energy sector with all its partners, citing the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant as an example of the long-standing nuclear collaboration between India and Russia.
The Russian Foreign Minister also alleged that the US was attempting to dominate global energy corridors and exert pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Russia. “Their [US] goal is to seize everything, to seize all energy routes that are important. This goal is pretty clear and I’m confident that India understands what is happening,” Lavrov said.
He also criticised Western countries, particularly European nations, for reducing dependence on Russian energy supplies, claiming the move was politically motivated rather than driven by market factors.
During his India visit, Lavrov is expected to hold discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and participate in the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two sides will review key aspects of bilateral ties and exchange views on regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East. The ministry said discussions are also expected on cooperation within multilateral forums such as BRICS, the United Nations and the G20.
(with PTI Inputs)
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