Developed economic ties with Russia and worked on stabilizing it: India

Indian officials asserted on Thursday that India has established economic relations with Russia, and the engagement should not be perceived as having political overtones.

In response to questions about New Delhi's trade relations with Moscow, despite the crisis in Ukraine, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi criticized several Western powers over the criticism.

During a press briefing, Mr Bagchi said India is very open about its relationship with Russia and even cited continued purchases of crude oil from Russia.

We have established economic relations with Russia and our focus is on stabilising this established economic relations in current circumstances, he said.

Currently, Mr Bagchi said, discussions are taking place to determine how to establish a payment mechanism between India and Russia.