EAM S Jaishankar defends Indias ties with Russia

India and Russia have always had a good relationship, and both nations have gone above and beyond to protect one another’s interests, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Sunday, rejecting the idea that Moscow is leaning closer to China.Speaking with Singapore’s Indian community, Jaishankar suggested that India consider its relations with Russia and other nations from an Indian viewpoint.

“So, tell me has Russia helped us or harmed us? Has Russia at crucial moments contributed or obstructed? Going ahead, are there gains to be made from Russia or is it only damages which will come out?” he asked.

“So, if I do my calculations from my perspective and my experiences, I will get the answer. And the answer in this case is that Russia is a country with which we have always had a positive relationship,” he said.

“Both India and Russia have taken that extra care to look after each other’s interests. So, I think we should have that confidence as we go forward,” he said while answering a question.

The ties between India and Russia remained strong notwithstanding Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.On a question on the US presidential election in November and India’s equation with the country after that, Jaishankar said: “I prefer to be patient”.

Jaishankar said he is confident that India can get along with whoever is President of the US.