Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed at the UNGA that President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit New Delhi in December. This visit signifies a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with discussions planned on trade, military cooperation, technological exchange, finance, humanitarian efforts, healthcare, and advancements in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence.
Responding to inquiries about potential US sanctions related to India’s purchase of Russian oil, Lavrov maintained that the economic partnership between India and Russia remains secure. He stated that India has the autonomy to determine its own partners and will discuss trade matters with the US as it sees fit. However, relationships with other nations in areas like economy, military, and technology will be handled bilaterally. Lavrov reiterated India’s independence in making trade decisions, and highlighted the ongoing dialogues between the two countries’ foreign ministers. Lavrov underscored the strategic partnership between India and Russia, noting the respect for India’s national interests and foreign policy, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He pointed to the existing ‘particularly privileged strategic partnership’ and regular high-level contacts between the two countries. He highlighted the recent meeting between PM Modi and President Putin at the SCO summit in China and the close coordination between the two nations at the international level.