Jaishankar says India offers Russia a viable Asian partner as ties with Europe sour

At a Bloomberg New Economy Forum session in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar explained that the war in Ukraine has left Russia with a broken relationship with Europe, forcing it to seek new partners in Asia. He acknowledged China’s prominent role but emphasized that India, with its historic and steady relationship with Moscow, is a "natural option" for Russia to diversify its Asian ties. Jaishankar said this arrangement supports the balance of power and the status quo on the continent.

He also noted that India is maintaining its relationship with Russia while pursuing its own strategic interests. The remarks coincided with the European Union’s rollout of nearly 1,600 new sanctions aimed at Russia’s military-industrial complex and entities involved in occupied Ukrainian territories. Additionally, Jaishankar indicated that negotiations on the India-US trade deal are moving toward a final settlement.