Russian Foreign Minister condemns Western pressure on India over Russia-Ukraine war

Sergei Lavrov criticises Western countries while expressing support for India

Sergei Lavrov

New York (USA) – ” I believe India is a great power, which determines its own national interests and chooses its own partners. We know that there is tremendous pressure on India, which is completely unjustified,” said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov called Ukraine’s comments on the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘insulting.’ He was speaking at a press conference here.

India Russia Relations : It is wrong to pressurize #India just because they maintain ‘good relations with Russia’ ! – Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russia#Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov takes India’s side and criticizes Western countries. pic.twitter.com/ffCf0OMJu6

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) July 18, 2024

1. Ukrainian President Zelensky said regarding the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin, “It is very disappointing to see the leader of the world’s biggest democracy hugging the world’s biggest murderer in Moscow. This is a blow to peace efforts.” India expressed displeasure at his statement.

2.“It was deeply insulting,” Lavrov remarked, addressing Ukrainian President Zelensky’s comments. The Ukrainian Ambassador was summoned and interrogated on this matter. Lavrov criticised some Ukrainian ambassadors, accusing them of bullying behaviour. He expressed confidence that India’s actions are appropriate in response to the situation.

3. Lavrov highlighted that India’s Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar responded to queries during his visits to Western countries, including questions about India’s increased oil purchases from Russia. Jaishankar pointed out statistics revealing that Western nations have also raised their imports of gas and oil from Russia despite imposing
certain sanctions. He emphasised India’s sovereign right to determine its partnerships and protect its national interests according to its own decisions.