External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has defended India’s longstanding relationship with Russia, stressing that New Delhi’s foreign policy is shaped by its own historical experience and national interests.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India and Russia have maintained a strong relationship over several decades and that the history of the partnership continues to influence India’s approach towards Moscow.
“People don’t forget good history or bad history,” Jaishankar said, recalling the support India received from Russia and the erstwhile Soviet Union during difficult periods.
Russia’s historical support for India
Jaishankar pointed to the period beginning in the 1950s, when India faced significant geopolitical and security challenges. He also referred to Soviet support during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, when global powers were divided over the conflict.
He said India’s positive experience with Russia has remained consistent over the years and has contributed to the continuation of close bilateral relations.
According to Jaishankar, the relationship has evolved significantly since the 1970s and 1980s, expanding beyond defence and nuclear cooperation to include trade, energy and natural resources.
India responds to Western criticism
Jaishankar’s comments come amid continued criticism from Western countries over India’s engagement with Moscow, particularly its purchases of Russian crude oil during the Ukraine conflict.
India has maintained that its energy policy is guided by the interests of its consumers and the need to ensure stable supplies.
The External Affairs Minister reiterated that India seeks to maintain multiple sources of energy and other essential supplies, rather than relying excessively on any single country.
He also briefed a parliamentary consultative committee on efforts to expand India’s trade, investment and energy cooperation with Russia.
India continues to call for dialogue on Ukraine
On the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India’s position that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations.
He said India has engaged with both Moscow and Kyiv and has discussed issues including Black Sea shipping, grain supplies, energy infrastructure and attacks on critical facilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly conveyed India’s position that the conflict should be brought to an end through peaceful means. Jaishankar also referred to Modi’s recent message that the prolonged conflict should give way to a lasting end to the war.
Jaishankar’s remarks underline New Delhi’s continued effort to maintain its strategic relationship with Moscow while simultaneously engaging with Western nations and advocating diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict.