Russia not planning a military alliance with China,says Lavrov

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held delegation-level talks in Delhi on Tuesday. In a joint press briefing after the talks, Dr Jaishankar said much of the discussions covered the preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit for the annual summit later this year. He said bilateral cooperation remains energetic and forward-looking. He said they talked about longstanding partnership in nuclear, space and defence sectors. Both Ministers also assessed positively the economic cooperation noting new opportunities in the Russian far east. They spoke of connectivity including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor. Dr Jaishankar appreciated Russian support for India's Gaganyaan programme. 

He added that the unfolding developments in and around Afghanistan were disucssed as what happens in Afghanistan impacts India's security directly. On being asked if India is considering possibility of acquiring additional S-400 regiments from Russia, the Minister said they did not get into specifics as that is the responsibility of a different body headed by defence ministers, which is due to meet at end of the year.The Russian Foreign Minister said they discussed prospective and additional manufacturing of Russian military equipment in India within the concept 'Made in India'. Replying to a query,  Lavrov said Russia is not planning to sign a military alliance with China.