Indian officials on Tuesday sharply criticised a joint newspaper article written by the ambassadors of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, calling it “unusual” and “not an acceptable diplomatic practice”. The envoys had accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine, a public rebuke that New Delhi believes should not have been aired in this manner.
The officials reiterated India’s long-standing position on the Ukraine conflict, stressing that the war ‘cannot be settled on the battlefield’ and that only sustained dialogue and diplomacy can lead to durable peace. They added that India supports any credible international initiative aimed at ending hostilities, including ongoing US-led efforts.
Putin to arrive in New Delhi tomorrow
The remarks came ahead of President Putin’s two-day visit to New Delhi beginning Thursday, during which he will hold the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks are expected to produce a wide set of agreements spanning trade, healthcare, academia, agriculture, and culture, reflecting both countries’ intent to deepen the strategic partnership.
A key item likely to be finalised is a mobility agreement that will facilitate the entry of Indian workers into Russia and lay down clear terms for recruitment and employment.
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India imports goods and services worth around USD 65 billion from Russia annually, while its exports remain at roughly USD 5 billion. The government has been working to diversify and boost shipments to Russia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, processed food, marine products and consumer goods, to reduce the heavy imbalance.
The fertiliser sector is another major area of cooperation, with Russia supplying three to four million tonnes to India each year. Officials said conversations are underway to strengthen long-term arrangements in this segment.
Both sides are also expected to revisit the long-pending free trade agreement negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, with an aim to accelerate the process.
When asked about potential defence agreements during the summit, officials declined to comment, noting that such understandings are never publicly announced at the summit stage.
On the recent decline in India’s imports of Russian crude oil following US sanctions on two major Russian oil companies, the officials attributed the shift to global market dynamics rather than political considerations.