The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that India is under no pressure from Western countries over maintaining its established trade relations with Russia, despite various sanctions levelled on Moscow. Talking to media persons, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi pointed out that although there are sanctions on Russia from Western countries, energy still flows from Russia to Europe. He also opened up on issues related to neighbouring countries-Pakistan, China and Sri Lanka.
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1. The MEA spokesperson further said there’s no such pressure on India for continuing trade with Russia. “Don't think there's any such pressure. Talks of sanctions going on but it's not on the entire trade. A lot of trade is going on. Trade of oil too. Our focus is to maintain and stabilise our established economic relations with Russia,” Bagchi said.
2. When questioned about a recent warning from US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh about the consequences India might face for its continuing trade ties with Russia despite being sanctioned by the West, Baghachi said: “We have established economic relations with Russia. Our focus is on stabilising these relations in the current circumstances. We've been very open about it. I think that's very clear regarding our position."
3. Slamming the west over its hypocritical behaviour over trade with Russia, Bagchi also said that energy flows to Europe continue unabated, and fertiliser purchasing has also been insulated.
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4. Bagchi also opened up on the political crisis in Pakistan and said that it's their internal matter and refused to comment on that.
5. When questioned about failed attempts by Chinese hackers to hamper electricity distribution centres near Ladakh, Bagchi said that India has a system, a mechanism in place to safeguard its critical infrastructure and the power ministry has already issued a statement on this matter.
6. Speaking on the ongoing financial crisis in Sri Lanka, he said that India and Sri Lanka share common civilisation values and aspirations of their people and the cooperation between the two countries is based on commonality. He further said that over 2,70,000 MT of diesel and petrol has been delivered to Sri Lanka since mid-March. He also said that with respect to ‘India’s neighbourhood first, policy, India is ready to extend whatever support we can.
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7. The 4th 2+2 ministerial dialogue is also scheduled between India and the US On April 11 and 12. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and EAM S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation in Washington. During these talks, a discussion on foreign policy, security and defence will take place between India and the US.
