India is likely to call for the early cessation of hostilities in Ukraine during Russia' EAM Sergey Lavrov visit (Photo Source: AP)
The subject of 'banking mechanisms' and neo-trading arrangements in the wake of changing dynamics may figure at parleys when the Russian foreign minister is in India.
New Delhi: Amid India's consistent efforts to seek a neutral or a virtual equal distance from primary stakeholders, the west and Russia in the month-long Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is likely to visit India soon.
India has not only pressed for 'dialogue and diplomacy' to end the crisis, it has also strongly backed the idea of upholding the UN charter and matters of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
India has last week abstained from voting at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on a resolution moved by Russia. India had earlier abstained on Western-led resolutions that criticised the Russian military action in Ukraine. New Delhi has made it clear that it wants a neutral position and is willing to do a tightrope diplomatic walk.
Lavrov's visit will come shortly after the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India. In the changing dynamics and emerging situation, there is also a talk about forming a strong Russia, India and China (RIC) axis.
India is also keen to revive the Rupee-Rouble arrangement, and the Indian banking sector is in talks for alternative mechanisms for trade with Russia.
All these have become imperative given the sanctions slapped on Russia after the February 24 invasion of Ukraine by the western countries.
Thus, the subject of 'banking mechanisms' and neo-trading arrangements in the wake of changing dynamics may also figure at parleys when the Russian foreign minister is in India.
Of course, when the Russian foreign minister arrives in Delhi, India will yet again call for the early cessation of hostilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also in tele talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vlodomyr Zelensky have stated that 'dialogue and diplomacy' are the only ways to end the impasse.
The Russian resolution on the 'humanitarian' crisis that India abstained was perceived to be critical of Ukraine. It did not get the required votes and failed to pass.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi flew to India on Friday in an unannounced visit and met his Indian counterpart, Dr S Jaishankar, for
three-hour-long talks.
India has put the ball firmly in China's court. "Bilateral relations have been disturbed as a result of Chinese actions in April 2020," Dr
Jaishankar later said, referring to the border tensions.
"I was honest in conveying our sentiment on this issue during talks with Wang Yi," he has said.
Beijing is to host the BRICS Summit this year and is keen to have all three Russia, China and India on the table.
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