File photo (Picture credit: ANI, AP)
At the recent 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov announced that plans are underway for President Putin to visit New Delhi in December.As per news agency ANI, he remarked, “In December, a visit from Mr Putin is being planned to New Delhi,” highlighting the significant bilateral agenda that includes trade, military cooperation, technological exchange, finance, humanitarian efforts, healthcare, and advancements in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence. Lavrov also expressed confidence in India’s ability to independently navigate its trade relations, stating, “India is perfectly capable of making their own decisions in its trade relations with Russia.” Reflecting on recent discussions with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, he added, “This year, my colleague, I spoke to him yesterday, will visit Russia, and I will visit India. We hold regular exchanges.” He also praised Jaishankar’s diplomatic stance, which asserts India’s autonomy in deciding its energy partnerships.In regard to the US imposing sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil, Lavrov firmly stated that the economic partnership between India and Russia is “not under threat,” reaffirming that India selects its own international partners.As per ANI, he noted, “If the US has proposals on how to enrich bilateral trade between the US and India, they are prepared to discuss the terms for that.” He also pointed out that India’s relationships with third states are matters to be decided independently, reflecting a broader sentiment of national pride.Moreover, Lavrov underscored the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia, which has been further upgraded to a “particularly privileged strategic partnership.” He stressed that the relationship extends beyond the influence of US-India dynamics and highlighted recent high-level meetings, including the recent gathering of Prime Minister Modi and President Putin at the SCO summit in China.Lavrov also reiterated Russia’s endorsement of India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).According to ANI, he stated, “Russia supports the application of Brazil and India for permanent seats” on the Council, emphasising the need for reform to reflect the current global landscape. Lavrov’s remarks come as Mauritius and Bhutan have also voiced their support for India’s UNSC aspirations, aligning with the growing demand for a more representative Council.He pointed out the differences that have emerged in the global balance since the UN’s formation 80 years ago, advocating for adjustments that will make the UNSC more effective and inclusive. This sentiment is echoed in discussions around the need for collective representation from regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America in international forums.These developments coincide with a broader call for UNSC reform, as outlined in joint statements from BRICS meetings that seek to create a Council that is “more democratic, representative, effective and efficient,” reflecting the voices of developing nations.
