Jaishankar, Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov hold talks in Delhi

Indian and Russian foreign ministers, S. Jaishankar and Sergei Lavrov, made a joint show of solidarity on Tuesday as they acknowledged the strength of a bilateral that has withstood government changes within the two nations, as well as adapted to a multipolar and rebalanced world order. 

The Russian emissary was in the capital to discuss the visit of Russian president Vladimir Putin later this year. He laid to rest Indian concerns of a Sino-Russian military bloc, and said their relations were not in pursuance of the goal of a military alliance. He said it was the same for Russian engagement with other countries in India's neighbourhood. Our cooperation is for something, not against someone, he said. Lavrov put the spotlight on Indo-Russian military ties, instead, pointing out that his was the only country that transferred cutting-edge military technology to India. He added that Russia "respected India's decision to diversify in this area." 

The two ministers also showed a similar understanding of the Indo-Pacific, where both agreed that the centrality of the Association for South East Asian Nations was paramount. 

Jaishankar noted that the talks touched upon several areas of cooperation—nuclear, space, military, as well as economic and connectivity. He noted the importance of Russia in India's foreign policy, saying it was an important factor in India's Act East and Beyond policy. The two leaders spoke of the ongoing cooperation in two ambitious connectivity projects—the International North South Transport Corridor and the Chennai Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor. 

Jaishankar said there were discussions on Afghanistan as well as developments in the Gulf Region and Iran. He stressed that developments in Afghanistan have a direct connection with India's security, and Lavrov agreed to keep India regularly posted with all Russia-led initiatives in the peace process. 

In the meanwhile, John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy on climate began his engagements with India on Tuesday, with a delegation led by environment minister Prakash Javadekar, discussing a range of issues like climate finance, joint research and collaboration. Kerry will be in India till April 9, as he meets more ministers and private sector and NGO representatives. The US, which has returned to the Paris Agreement with the election of Joe Biden as the US president, considers India an important player in climate solutions. India has been invited to attend the US-led virtual summit of global leaders on climate change later this month. 

Lavrov has emplaned for Islamabad.