Russia's Expanding Global Ties: A Strategic Embrace

Russia is intensifying its global partnerships, with a special focus on its 'privileged strategic partnership' with India. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlights Moscow’s growing ties across nations, emphasizing a multipolar world order. The ties bolster Russia's interactions with India, China, and BRICS partners, reinforcing political and strategic collaborations.

Russia is aggressively broadening its international alliances, with India being a focal point of its 'privileged strategic partnership', according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Addressing an event, Lavrov detailed Russia's vibrant diplomacy with countries including China, India, Iran, and North Korea, as well as CIS nations, reported by state media TASS.

'We prioritize strengthening ties with most global states,' stated Lavrov, focusing on Russia's unprecedented trust with China and its privileged relationship with India at a meeting of the board of trustees of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund, as reported by Russian state media.

Lavrov emphasized the emergence of a fairer multipolar world. New global centers, notably China and India, along with BRICS and SCO partners, are gaining strength. Russia maintains close political dialogue, including high-level meetings with SCO, BRICS, and other like-minded nations, through forums like the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter, meeting regularly in New York.

Significant advancements have been recorded in Moscow's friendly relations with Iran and North Korea, noted Lavrov. Russia underscores the advancement of cooperation with allies and partners among CIS states within various frameworks such as the Commonwealth and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

In light of India's 76th Republic Day, President Vladimir Putin conveyed his congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauding India's progress over 75 years. He stressed the enduring strong strategic partnership between Russia and India, asserting Russia-India relations are based on a special, privileged strategic partnership envisioned to strengthen bilateral cooperation and global interaction.

Putin and Prime Minister Modi maintain regular communication, conducting phone discussions every few months. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov announced Putin's planned visit to India, scheduled with Prime Minister Modi for early 2025.

Prime Minister Modi visited Russia twice in 2024: in July under the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership agreements, and in October for the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan.

(With inputs from agencies.)