Speaking about India’s long-standing ties with Russia, S Jaishankar emphasized that the relationship is "time-tested," rooted in decades of cooperation since India's independence in 1947. "Russia has never acted against India’s interests," he noted, which is a rare and valuable trait in geopolitics.
At the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delved into India’s evolving global role, touching on key relationships with Russia, China, the US, and its neighbors. In a detailed discussion on India's foreign policy, he explained why Russia will remain one of India's most significant strategic partners.
He added that with Russia now pivoting more toward Asia due to its strained relations with the West, India has a natural role to play in strengthening ties. The partnership, he explained, has both strategic and economic value, particularly given India’s current need for natural resources like oil, fertilizers, and metals.
Jaishankar also highlighted the broader strategic importance of maintaining a balanced relationship with major powers like Russia and China, noting that this is vital for stability in the Eurasian region.
On the India-China front, the minister elaborated on the positive developments in the longstanding border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He confirmed that both nations had reached a new patrolling arrangement in areas like Depsang and Demchok, allowing soldiers to return to the positions held before the May 2020 skirmishes. This agreement, he said, marks significant progress in disengagement efforts and the restoration of peace.
The foreign minister also touched on India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, citing successful collaborations with nations like Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. He highlighted India’s crucial role in assisting Sri Lanka during its recent crisis and praised Bhutan's collaborative efforts on electricity as a model for others in the region.
Regarding Canada, Jaishankar voiced concerns about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government's approach to Indian diplomats, calling out what he described as "double standards" in their treatment of foreign representatives. He highlighted Canada’s inconsistent stance on diplomatic conduct, contrasting their domestic and international behavior.
Briefly addressing relations with Pakistan, Jaishankar mentioned his recent visit to Islamabad, noting that India had supported Pakistan’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and maintained a cooperative approach throughout the proceedings.