External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India-Russia ties at the Munich Security Conference. He said Russia stood by India when the world backed a military regime. He noted that the relationship has grown beyond history. Many experts feel this shows India values old friends while building its own global path.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has explained the historical foundation of India's relationship with Russia, recalling a period when India's territorial integrity was under threat and "much of the world preferred backing a military regime next to us." Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Jaishankar said Russia stood by India during that period, adding that New Delhi has not forgotten that support. He stressed, however, that India-Russia ties today have expanded significantly beyond their historical foundations.