Last Updated on 18/07/2024 by wccexam Desk
In a recent press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that India, a “great power,” is acting in its national interest despite facing “enormous, completely unjustified pressure” from the West due to its energy cooperation with Russia. Lavrov’s remarks came as Russia presides over the United Nations Security Council for the month of July, with Lavrov himself in New York to chair meetings under Moscow’s presidency.
Lavrov’s comments were in response to questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow and the opposition India has faced for its energy ties with Russia. Lavrov described Ukraine’s criticism of Modi’s trip as “insulting,” noting that the Ukrainian ambassador was called in to discuss the matter. He also criticized the behavior of some Ukrainian envoys, saying they were acting like “hooligans.”
Lavrov highlighted that India is a great power that determines its own national interests and chooses its own partners. He emphasized that India is being subjected to unjustified pressure in the international arena, particularly from Western nations. Lavrov pointed out that India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had toured Western nations and cited statistics showing that the West has also increased its purchases of gas and oil from Russia despite imposed restrictions.
Jaishankar had stated that India will decide for itself how to trade with whom and how to defend its national interests. Lavrov supported this stance, saying that the West’s displeasure towards powers like China and India demonstrates their lack of erudition and inability to engage in diplomacy. He noted that speaking to these great Asian powers in this manner is beneath them and reflects a failure of political analysts.
The Russian foreign minister also addressed India’s oil purchases from Russia, emphasizing that it is a sensible policy to go where India gets the best deal in the interests of the Indian people. Jaishankar had earlier stated that it is his duty to put the interests of the Indian people first to ensure they do not bear the cost of actions by other countries or regions for essential commodities like fertilizer and food.
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India’s stance on energy cooperation with Russia has been consistent, with the country not yet condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and advocating for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia on July 8-9 marked his first trip to Russia since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had criticized Modi’s visit, saying it was a “stab in the back of all peace efforts” and a “huge disappointment.” India conveyed its displeasure over these remarks to Ukraine’s mission in Delhi.
Lavrov’s comments underscore the independence and sovereignty of India in its foreign policy decisions, emphasizing that India is a great power that sets its own national interests and chooses its own partners. Despite the pressure from the West, India is committed to pursuing its own interests and ensuring the well-being of its people.