India is a ‘natural option’ for Russia amid Asia shift, says Jaishankar

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India serves as a ‘natural option’ for Russia as Moscow shifts its focus toward Asia due to strained relations with Europe. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Jaishankar noted that the Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in a ‘broken, embittered relationship’ between Russia and Europe, forcing Moscow to turn more toward Asian nations, particularly China.

Jaishankar emphasized that India’s longstanding ties with Russia, which have remained steady for eight decades, contribute to the regional balance of power. He expressed that it is in the interest of both India and the world for Russia to have multiple significant relationships within Asia rather than relying solely on one partner. He reaffirmed that New Delhi is maintaining its relationship with Moscow despite shifts in the international order.