External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently articulated India's consistent stance on its relationship with Russia, emphasizing the historical depth and strategic importance of the ties. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Jaishankar underscored that Moscow, and the Soviet Union before it, had consistently supported New Delhi during periods when its security and territorial integrity faced threats.
"India and Russia have historically very good relations, particularly since the 1950s, and that history is not forgotten," Jaishankar stated. He added that nations generally do not forget either positive or negative historical experiences, highlighting the positive nature of India's past interactions with Russia.
Historical Support and Evolving Dynamics
The External Affairs Minister recalled a time when, in contrast to many other global powers that supported a military regime near India, Russia stood by the nation. This legacy, he noted, has significantly shaped the trajectory of Indo-Russian relations.
While acknowledging the historical defense component, Jaishankar pointed out that the relationship has broadened considerably beyond its traditional scope. "Today, the relationship has widened beyond that... our own relationships are not what they were in the '70s and '80s, neither is the case with Russia's," he explained. The partnership now encompasses significant economic collaboration, a military component, nuclear energy initiatives, and space cooperation, alongside substantial trade and investment.
India's Independent Foreign Policy
Jaishankar stressed that countries naturally evaluate their international relationships through the lens of their own national experiences. He indicated that India's experience with Russia has been "frankly quite positive and consistently positive," shaping its independent foreign policy decisions.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Minister reiterated India's clear position: a desire to see an end to hostilities through dialogue and diplomacy. India has been actively engaging with both Russia and Ukraine, advocating for negotiations and attempting to facilitate discussions on immediate concerns such as Black Sea shipping safety, grain exports, energy supplies, and non-attack possibilities. These conversations, he confirmed, are currently ongoing.