New Delhi [India], December 5 (ANI): As Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded the Moscow–New Delhi relationship, saying Russia has stood by India across oil, gas and defence supplies, and that ties remain independent of India’s relations with the US and China.
Speaking to ANI, Tharoor called the visit “hugely significant,” noting the importance of sustaining longstanding relationships amid global uncertainty. He said recent years have shown the value of Russian friendship, citing substantial oil and gas supplies and defence imports — including the S-400 system — which he said played a seminal role in Operation Sindoor by protecting Indian cities, including Delhi, from Pakistani missile threats.
Emphasising India’s foreign-policy approach, Tharoor said New Delhi maintains strategic autonomy and independent bilateral ties. “No one should misunderstand that this will affect our relationships with other countries,” he added, stressing India’s sovereign right to choose partnerships in its national interest.
On possible outcomes, Tharoor said agreements during the visit would strengthen a vital relationship that, in his view, does not come at the expense of ties with the US, China or others; India will continue independent relations with all.
Putin, on his first trip to India in four years, will be in New Delhi until December 5 and will hold the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Experts expect the trip to boost cooperation in defence, trade, science and technology, and cultural and humanitarian areas. Former diplomat Arun Singh also highlighted the enduring political and defence relevance of the India–Russia partnership. (ANI)
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