India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, emphasized the enduring stability of bilateral ties between India and Russia in a recent interview with German economic daily, Handelsblatt. Jaishankar remarked on the historical trend of Western nations favoring Pakistan over India in arms supply, noting a significant shift in this dynamic over the past decade.
Jaishankar reassured that Russia has consistently respected India's interests, despite recent global developments such as Russia's incursion into Ukraine in 2022. This invasion prompted Western nations to provide military aid to Kyiv and impose sanctions on Russia, including restrictions on Russian oil purchases.
During his visit to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, Jaishankar participated in discussions highlighting the complexities of modern international relations. He emphasized the need to move beyond one-dimensional perspectives, acknowledging the diverse viewpoints that shape global interactions.
Addressing concerns about energy procurement amid geopolitical tensions, Jaishankar explained India's reliance on Russian crude oil, especially after Europe redirected its energy purchases away from Russia. He defended India's position, stating that prioritizing European demand stabilized the energy market while underscoring the necessity of adapting to infrastructural imbalances in global supply chains.
Jaishankar also highlighted India's evolving defense procurement landscape, emphasizing diversified partnerships with countries like the USA, Russia, France, and Israel. He pointed out the historical imbalance in arms supply favoring Pakistan and noted the recent shift towards a more equitable distribution.
Regarding geopolitical differences, Jaishankar emphasized mutual respect for diverse perspectives. He urged Europe to recognize India's independent stance on issues concerning China and Russia, acknowledging natural divergences in diplomatic relationships.
In broader reflections, Jaishankar criticized the prevailing economic model, highlighting its instability and inequity. He condemned the over-concentration of production in a few countries, which has hollowed out economies and exacerbated global inequalities.
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