Politics

Russian foreign minister to visit India in the backdrop of Ukraine invasion

New Delhi, Mar 30 (EFE).- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavorv is set to arrive in India on Thursday on a two-day official visit, Indian authorities confirmed on Wednesday, in the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and coinciding with the arrival of a United States’ high official in the country.

“Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to New Delhi on 31 March -1 April 2022,” the Indian ministry of foreign affairs said in a brief statement.

The Indian authorities have not yet revealed the agenda of the Russian top diplomat, or the main reason behind his visit.

Lavrov’s visit coincides with the two-day India trip of White House deputy national security advisor for international economics, Daleep Singh, who arrived in the country on Wednesday and is set to be here until Thursday.

Singh aims to “consult closely with counterparts on the consequences of Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine and mitigating its impact on the global economy,” White House National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement on Tuesday.

Lavrov is the highest Russian official to land in India amid a string of visits by Moscow representatives to the South Asian country since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last month.

India has maintained a neutral posture since the beginning of the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, abstaining from voting on a resolution condemning the invasion in the United Nations General Assembly.

New Delhi’s stance is linked to its close defense ties with Moscow, apart from the view that Russia could help keep traditional regional rival China in check. The Indian government has already launched efforts to purchase Russian crude oil at discounted prices after the West slapped sanctions against Moscow. EFE

daa/ia

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