S Jaishankar Highlights Putin's Visit as Milestone in Reimagining India-Russia Relationship

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar remarked on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent two-day visit to India focused on reimagining the bilateral relationship between New Delhi and Moscow.

Highlighting key statements from the foreign minister:

"Throughout the past 70-80 years, despite global fluctuations, India and Russia have maintained one of the most consistent major relationships worldwide. Russia's connections with China or Europe have experienced variations, as have our relationships with other nations. The positive sentiment toward Russia is evident among the Indian public."

"Putin's visit centered on reimagining our bilateral ties. It focused on developing aspects that were previously lacking or insufficient in our relationship."

"The primary takeaways from Putin's visit include the mobility agreement, understanding on joint fertilizer ventures, and a comprehensive focus on enhancing overall relations."

"With the United States, trade remains the paramount issue and central to Washington's perspective. We are willing to address this on reasonable terms."

"We believe our respective trade interests can find common ground through rigorous negotiation. The welfare of workers, farmers, and the middle class is our priority. We must be judicious when considering trade agreements with the US."

"Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi's meeting on October 24 last year, we reached an understanding regarding the remaining friction points. Since then, border areas have largely remained stable, with patrolling patterns mostly resuming and proceeding smoothly."

"Peace and tranquility in border regions, prerequisites for positive relations between India and China, are being maintained and strengthened. However, this wasn't the only issue in our relationship. Several other matters, some predating the Galwan incident, remain."

"The Pakistani army has consistently been the source of many of our challenges. When examining terrorism, training camps, and the ideological hostility toward India, it's clear these emanate from the military establishment."

"Regarding Bangladesh, we wish them well. As a democratic nation, we value seeing people's will determined through democratic processes. I'm confident that any outcome of these democratic processes would take a balanced approach toward our relationship, hopefully leading to improvements."

"Sheikh Hasina arrived in India under specific circumstances, which naturally influence her situation. However, ultimately, she must make her own decisions."