Moscow [Russia]: Russia is actively expanding its relations with India, describing the bilateral ties as a “privileged strategic partnership,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Monday.
Russia’s Growing Global Engagement
Addressing an event in Moscow, Lavrov emphasized Russia’s expanding partnerships with China, India, Iran, North Korea, and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, as reported by Russian state media TASS.
“We prioritize boosting ties with the majority of global states. Our relations with China have reached an unprecedented level of mutual trust. We enjoy a particularly privileged strategic partnership with India,” Lavrov said at the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund meeting.
Russia’s Vision for a Multipolar World
Lavrov highlighted the rise of new global power centers, including India and China, alongside other BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) partners. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening ties with these nations.
“We maintain an intensive political dialogue, including at the highest level, with BRICS and SCO countries, and other like-minded nations,” Lavrov noted.
He also pointed out Russia’s deepening cooperation with countries such as Iran and North Korea, while placing special emphasis on alliances within the CIS, Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Putin’s Message to India on Republic Day
On India’s 76th Republic Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising India’s achievements over the past 75 years.
“Russian-Indian relations are based on a special and privileged strategic partnership. I am confident that we will continue to build productive cooperation across all areas and strengthen interaction in international affairs. This aligns with the efforts to form a fair multipolar international order,” Putin stated.
Putin-Modi Bilateral Engagements
Putin and PM Modi continue to maintain regular contact, engaging in discussions every few months.
In December 2024, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed that Putin has accepted Modi’s invitation to visit India, with the visit scheduled for early 2025.
Meanwhile, PM Modi visited Russia twice in 2024:
- July 2024: As part of the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership agreements.
- October 2024: To attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan.