India Positions Itself as Natural Partner for Russia
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar asserts India is a natural partner for Russia as Moscow pivots toward Asia following Western sanctions.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar declared that India remains a natural partner for Russia as Moscow strengthens ties with Asian powers. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on October 14, 2026, Jaishankar stated that substantial partnerships between Russia and Asian nations serve the interests of both countries and the global community.
Jaishankar attributed Russia's strategic pivot toward Asia to sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Despite pressure from Washington, India continues to import Russian oil and is targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade with Russia by 2030.
New Delhi continues to advocate for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy while maintaining its Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Moscow.
