On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov stated that if India wishes to purchase anything from Russia, they are willing to discuss it. When asked about India’s plan to buy discounted Russian oil, he said this. He went on to say that Russia and India have excellent relations.
“If India wants to buy anything from us, we are ready to discuss and reach mutually acceptable cooperation,” Lavrov said during a press conference on Friday, according to ANI. He spoke with the press shortly after meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The high-level talks took place against the backdrop of indications that India could purchase larger quantities of discounted Russian oil, and both sides were eager to establish a ruble-rupee arrangement for bilateral trade.
Lavrov went on to say that Russia appreciated India’s stance on the Ukraine situation. Unlike many other major powers, India has not yet condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and it has abstained from voting on UN platforms condemning Russian aggression.
He stated that Russia is committed to continuing its defence cooperation with India. “I believe that Indian foreign policies are distinguished by independence and a focus on genuine national legitimate interests. The same policy is based in the Russian Federation, and as large countries, we are good friends and loyal partners “Lavrov stated.
He explained that Russia has developed a system for engaging in national currency trade with countries such as India, and that efforts to transition away from the dollar-based payment system will be stepped up. He also stated that Russia is looking into ways to circumvent trade barriers with its allies and partners.
“More and more transactions will be conducted in national currencies, bypassing the dollar-based system,” he told a small group of reporters.
Lavrov arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening, having just returned from a two-day visit to China. Later in the day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
