Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described Russia–India relations as a deep, trust-based and long-standing strategic partnership, emphasising that the bond extends far beyond oil and defence cooperation.
In a wide-ranging interview with RT India, Lavrov traced the origins of bilateral ties back to India’s independence, noting that decades of Soviet-era engagement laid the foundation for today’s privileged strategic partnership.
He rejected suggestions that the relationship is primarily driven by energy and military trade, stressing that it encompasses nuclear energy, industrial production, education, and cultural exchange.
Lavrov highlighted the evolution of defence cooperation from a simple buyer–seller arrangement into joint production models. He cited the BrahMos missile co-production, licensed manufacturing of T-90 tanks in India, and the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles in India as examples of initiatives that demonstrate high levels of trust and minimal secrecy in defence collaboration.
He reaffirmed Russia’s role as a reliable energy supplier to India, pointing to continued cooperation in oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy projects such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. He also referenced expanding efforts in trade diversification and long-term economic planning, including agreements tied to Russia–India cooperation through 2030.
A significant portion of the interview focused on global geopolitics, sanctions, energy markets, and Western influence. Lavrov criticised Western sanctions targeting Russian energy firms, arguing that measures against companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil were designed to push Russia out of global markets and reshape energy dependence towards Western suppliers.
He warned of increasing competition over global shipping routes and energy corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic chokepoints. Lavrov underscored the importance of multilateral platforms such as BRICS, describing them as essential for building independent financial and trade systems.
He expressed support for India’s current BRICS presidency and anticipated progress on initiatives such as cross-border payment systems, local currency trade settlement, and independent financial infrastructure.
He noted that BRICS could play a greater role in addressing regional crises, though he acknowledged internal differences among member states. Lavrov praised India’s priorities within BRICS, which he said reflect national interests, uphold consensus, and ensure continuity in the group’s work.
He referred to the decision adopted at the Kazan summit to develop settlement, payment, reinsurance, and exchange mechanisms independent of Western restrictions, adding that India is committed to advancing this work.
He commended India’s highly active agenda across trade, economic and financial cooperation, political and security issues, and cultural and humanitarian interaction, expressing confidence that these initiatives would strengthen the BRICS framework.
Commenting on India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 under the “Viksit Bharat” vision, Lavrov praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an energetic leader and affirmed Russia’s support for India’s long-term development ambitions.
He highlighted cooperation in energy security, industrial growth, and technology transfer as key contributions Russia can make to India’s future. Addressing regional tensions, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s historical support for peaceful dialogue between India and Pakistan, stressing that disputes must be resolved bilaterally without external intervention. He also referred to broader Eurasian security challenges and the need for greater regional dialogue frameworks.
Lavrov concluded by emphasising that Russia–India ties are rooted not only in state interests but also in cultural and people-to-people connections. He invoked the slogan “Hindi–Rusi bhai bhai,” declaring that the partnership is unthinkable to break due to its historical depth and mutual trust.
UNI
