Important to highlight convergences on regional issues like Afghanistan and the Middle-East, said the MEA
Addressed the Primakov Institute in Moscow on India-Russia ties in a changing world, India’s Minister of External Affairs said that the relationship between the two countries has been the steadiest among major relationships in the world after WW2. India-Russia relations continue dynamically even as the world undergoes changes, he said.
Dr Jaishankar said that multipolarity lies at the core of India-Russia contemporary relationship – both as a reality & as an aspiration. It is this multipolarity that has enabled the two countries to smoothly maintain mutual ties in comparison to others. The operating principle in a multipolar world is ‘legitimate pursuit of flexibility without seeking exclusivity’, he stressed.
Speaking on the key concerns in the relationship, he said that while widening options, the two two countries must ensure consistent sensitivity to the interests of a critical strategic partner. Both India & Russia have a clear sense of national interest and a strong sense of national resolve, he said.
On the challenges facing the two coutries he said that sub-universal groups are a reality in today’s world. They supplement not replace more universal arrangements. Given the flux in world politics, our working together is likely to happen in such formats, he said. It is important to highlight convergences on regional issues like Afghanistan and the Middle-East. As pluralistic societies that have been victims of fundamentalist thinking and extremism, must especially be on guard, he stressed.
On the developments in the Indo-Pacific, Dr Jaishankar said that these new developments have re-defined our understanding of the landscape, as also its risks and opportunities. India with much of its trade eastwards, must look beyond anachronisms. Shared belief in the centrality of the ASEAN facilitates the ability to work together, he said.
Hence, it is essential for India & Russia to ensure stability & diversity of the world – honouring agreements & observing laws, and it is can be add to global options, as seen in the case of vaccines, said Dr Jaishankar. We must recognise the collaboration underway on Sputnik vaccine- not just for its public health benefits in India, but also for larger gains for the international community, he said.
Speaking on the historical ties, he said that Russia has been a dependable defence partner. Experience of past cooperation being applied to a more contemporary requirement, including Make in India. Energy, in particular, holds enormous promise as we engage in long-term planning & cooperation.
Piyush Anand 
Aayush Pal