As West tries to coax India to condemn Russia's Ukraine invasion, Jaishankar maintains neutral stance

Amid attempts by the West led by the US to persuade India to condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that keeping in touch with Russia is in the mutual benefit of both nations. The two ministers met in New Delhi on Friday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday, March 31, said that keeping in touch with Russia is in the interest of both nations. His statement came ahead of his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in New Delhi.

The meeting is being held amid the Russia-Ukraine war and the West’s attempts to coax India to move away from its neutral position and condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This is an important year in our bilateral relations, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.

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“Despite Covid-related difficulties, last year turned out to be one of the most intense bilateral activities that included holding the inaugural 2+2 meeting and the annual summit. PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been in regular touch. They have spoken to each other on multiple occasions this year,” Jaishankar said.

“Our bilateral relationship has continued to grow in many areas. “Our meeting takes place today in a difficult international environment India has always been in favour of resolving differences, disputes through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

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