Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has firmly defended India's freedom to choose its global partners, asserting that New Delhi's relationship with Moscow has been the "biggest and steadiest" in a world marked by geopolitical volatility.
Speaking at a Leadership Summit, he said: "For any country to expect to have a veto in how we develop our relations with others is not a reasonable proposition. Others can expect the same."
Jaishankar stressed that India has always maintained multiple relationships, emphasizing the necessity of partnerships with as many players as possible. "We have a freedom of choice. We talk about what is called strategic autonomy. And that continues. I cannot imagine why anybody would have reason to expect the contrary," he added.
Jaishankar’s remarks come in the backdrop of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent India visit, which the Minister characterized as being about reimagining relationships. Asked if the high-level visit complicates India's ties with the US, the Minister dismissed the notion, suggesting he wouldn’t rely on the Western press for an objective assessment of Putin.
He reiterated that it is crucial for India to maintain cooperation with as many players as possible and exercise that freedom of choice to bolster its position in the world.
"The world has seen a lot of ups and downs in the last 70-80 years, but India and Russia have been among the steadiest big relationships in the world. Russia's ties with China or Europe had their ups and downs, and so did our ties with other nations. But you can see it in popular sentiments; there is a feeling in the streets about Russia," he added.
Jaishankar thundered that India must stand up for what is in its interest, adding that diplomacy is not about pleasing someone else.
Regarding the US, he confirmed there is no lack of communication, asserting that a trade deal with Washington could become a reality soon, though he cautioned against unforeseen turnarounds.
"We believe there can be a landing point for our respective trade interests. It is something that will be negotiated hard. For us, the interest of the workers and the farmers and the middle class matters. When we look at the trade agreements with the US, we must be judicious," he concluded.
Also read: India in talks with US on treatment of deportees: Jaishankar
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