New Delhi: India has said that its relations with Russia "stand on their own merits". This statement came  after Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that the west is attempting to "undermine our close partnership and privileged relations" with New Delhi.

Anurag Shrivastava, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson said that India has always pursued an independent foreign policy based on its national interest. India’s relationship with each country is independent of its relations with third countries. He further added,  "We hope that this is well understood and appreciated by all our partners.

Earlier, Russian International Affairs Council, FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming them anti-China. Recalling PM Modi's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June of 2018, MEA spokesperson pointed out that India does not see the Indo-Pacific region as a strategy or as a club of limited members. It stands for a free, open, and inclusive region and it is not directed against any country. 

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