India-Russia Partnership Reimagines Economic Ties: Jaishankar
- Jaishankar highlights India’s strategic autonomy in foreign policy amid India-Russia ties
- Economic focus, trade negotiations and regional relations shape India’s global diplomacy
Hyderabad: The India-Russia partnership has remained one of the steadiest major international relationships over the past 70 to 80 years. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi as a move to “reimagine” the bilateral ties, emphasizing a new focus on economic engagement.
At the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Jaishankar clarified that India would not accept any country having a veto over its foreign relations decisions. He stated, “No, I disagree with you. I think everybody knows that India has relations with all the major countries in the world.” He added, “I think for any country to expect to have a veto or a say in how we develop our relations with others is not a reasonable proposition.”
Jaishankar also rejected the idea that Putin’s visit would complicate ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States. He explained India’s policy of maintaining multiple relationships and freedom of choice. “We talk about what is called strategic autonomy and that continues and I cannot imagine why anybody would have reason to expect the contrary,” he said.
Regarding trade, Jaishankar noted that the Trump administration focuses heavily on this issue. India remains willing to negotiate but only on terms that defend national interests. “For those of you who think that diplomacy is about pleasing somebody else I’m sorry, that’s not my view of diplomacy,” he said.
The minister highlighted two outcomes of the India-Russia talks: a mobility agreement facilitating easier work opportunities for Indians in Russia and a joint venture agreement on fertilisers aimed at stabilizing India’s import sources. He explained this as part of building economic dimensions that had not kept pace with the political warmth in the relationship.
On other fronts, Jaishankar pointed out that peace and tranquillity along the India-China border remains essential for good relations. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges related to trade, investment, subsidies, and competition between the two countries.
Touching on relations with Pakistan, Jaishankar criticized the Pakistani military’s role in perpetuating hostility and terrorism towards India. “Much of our problems actually emanate from them,” he said. He urged India to avoid being defined or hyphenated with Pakistan despite existing challenges.
On Bangladesh, the minister expressed India’s goodwill and confidence in the country’s democratic process, hoping it leads to balanced and mature views on bilateral ties. When asked about former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India, he responded that her decisions depend on the circumstances she faces.
This comprehensive diplomatic approach reflects India’s commitment to strengthening key partnerships while protecting national interests through pragmatic engagement and strategic autonomy.
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