Sergey Lavrov Lauds India’s Diplomatic Approach to Ukraine Crisis
Russian FM Sergey Lavrov praised India’s balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis during a recent conference, emphasizing dialogue for resolution. He confirmed President Putin’s upcoming visit to India and highlighted the importance of their strategic partnership and economic cooperation. Both nations advocate for a multipolar world order, promoting global governance while respecting national identities.
On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commended India for its balanced approach towards the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for resolution. During a virtual address at the conference ‘Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda’, Lavrov noted that enhancing the strategic partnership with India remains a top priority in Russia’s foreign policy agenda.
Lavrov revealed that President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India, with preparations already in progress. He expressed gratitude for India’s consistent call for dialogue and efforts to address the underlying issues of the Ukraine conflict.
India has persistently advocated for resolving the Ukraine situation through multilateral dialogue. Prime Minister Modi, in a previous podcast, stated that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are crucial for resolution, stressing that conflicts cannot be settled on battlefields. His visit to Ukraine included discussions emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue between the conflicting nations, with India willing to facilitate peace.
In his address, Lavrov attributed the root causes of the Ukraine conflict to Western nations’ attempts to integrate Ukraine into NATO and the security threats faced by Russia from NATO’s eastward expansion. He asserted that addressing these concerns is essential for achieving lasting peace in the region.
Strengthening the Indo-Russian strategic partnership is integral to Russia’s foreign policy, as indicated in its Foreign Policy Concept. Lavrov highlighted the long-standing ties between the two nations, which have withstood various challenges, promoting cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Highlighting the economic foundation of their relationship, Lavrov noted the ongoing expansion of trade and economic cooperation, despite external pressures. He reiterated the commitment towards achieving a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030, as discussed during last year’s summit.
Lavrov pointed out that both countries’ views converge on establishing a multipolar world order, characterized by diverse developmental models that comply with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. He expressed a desire to increase democratic representation in international relations, supporting developing nations in global governance while honoring their unique identities.
He affirmed Russia’s acknowledgment of India as a significant global power with an influential role in the multipolar world order, championing a philosophy promoting collective human well-being that respects the interests of all nations. Both nations are actively collaborating within multilateral forums such as the UN, G-20, BRICS, and SCO.
In conclusion, Sergey Lavrov’s remarks reflect a reinforced commitment to the Indo-Russian partnership, emphasizing dialogue as essential for resolving international conflicts like that in Ukraine. Both nations are dedicated to advancing their economic ties and fostering a multipolar world order where diverse national interests are respected. The Indian approach to the Ukraine crisis has been notably supported by Russia, highlighting shared diplomatic values.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
