Jaishankar maintains neutral stance while meeting with Russia's Lavrov

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov amid intense international pressure over Russian oil imports, with the US warning of "consequences" for countries attempting to circumvent American sanctions against Moscow. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said: "Our relations have grown and takes place in a difficult environment apart from the pandemic." "We have diversified our cooperation by expanding our agenda," Jaishankar also said,  He also said that India has "always been in favour of resolving differences and disputes through dialogue and diplomacy." “Despite Covid-related difficulties, last year turned out to be one of the most intense bilateral activities that included holding the inaugural 2+2 meeting and the annual summit. PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been in regular touch. They have spoken to each other on multiple occasions this year,” Jaishankar said.

 Lavrov said he wished to convey a "message personally" from President Vladimir Putin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lavrov praised India for taking a neutral stance over the war and said, "India is taking this situation in the entirety of effect and not just one-sided way." He also hailed the ties between India and Russia, saying, “our relations were very sustainable during many difficult times in the past."