Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Sep 29: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has assured that the ongoing strains in India-US relations do not pose any threat to the India-Russia economic partnership, praising India for showing “self-respect” by safeguarding its energy interests.

Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly after meeting his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, Lavrov said Russia fully respects India’s national interests and the “independent foreign policy” pursued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the Indo-Russian relationship as a “particularly privileged strategic partnership.”

Lavrov clarified that developments in India-US ties cannot dictate the course of India-Russia relations. “We have full respect for the national interests of India… India chooses its own partners,” he said, in response to questions about India continuing to import Russian oil despite US pressure.

Quoting Jaishankar, Lavrov noted, “If the US wants to sell its oil to us, we are prepared to discuss the terms. But what we buy from other countries, like Russia, is our business and has nothing to do with the India-US agenda.” He lauded this stance as a demonstration of India’s self-respect, comparing it to Turkiye’s approach.

Lavrov also confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to visit India in December for the annual summit, highlighting an extensive bilateral agenda covering trade, military and technical cooperation, finance, healthcare, AI, and multilateral coordination through platforms such as SCO and BRICS.

He emphasized that India independently manages its relations with third countries in trade, investment, and technology, adding that any US proposals for enhanced bilateral trade would be discussed directly with India on mutually acceptable terms.

Lavrov’s comments reinforce the stability and resilience of India-Russia ties amid shifting global dynamics and underscore India’s continued commitment to an autonomous foreign policy.