External Affairs Minister strongly defends historic Indian Russian diplomatic ties.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly defended diplomatic relations with Moscow during the Munich Security Conference in New Delhi. He responded directly to Western scrutiny regarding ongoing engagement with Russia. Moscow historically supported New Delhi during critical security threats, particularly when major global powers backed Pakistan. Jaishankar emphasized that positive historical experiences continuously shape bilateral choices today. During the 1971 conflict with Pakistan, Soviet naval deployments actively deterred hostile Western maneuvers in the Bay of Bengal, cementing a lasting geopolitical alliance.Enduring strategic and economic bonds.Good history shapes current state policies and strategic decisions. Jaishankar noted that European leaders cannot expect New Delhi to mirror their exact perspectives on Moscow. Bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly since the 1970s. Current partnerships involve robust military, nuclear, trade, and resource sectors. Western nations repeatedly criticize Indian energy imports during the ongoing European conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs previously labeled such scrutiny unjustified and unreasonable. Jaishankar briefed a parliamentary consultative committee on concrete plans to expand economic and energy cooperation. He firmly stated that safeguarding consumer interests requires maintaining multiple international supply sources.Regarding the Ukraine conflict, Indian leadership actively advocates for peaceful negotiations. New Delhi facilitates discussions with both warring factions concerning Black Sea shipping, grain imports, and critical infrastructure security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly articulated this diplomatic stance directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi famously stated in 2022 that current times do not favor conflict. Recently, Modi urged that endless hostilities must finally yield to peaceful conclusions through active dialogue.
External Affairs Minister rebuffs western critics over enduring India Russia partnership
