(MENAFN) Russia regards a strategic alliance with India as its foremost foreign policy objective, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, as both nations aim to broaden their economic and strategic collaboration.

The two officials met in Moscow on Monday, ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated visit to New Delhi for a bilateral summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Lavrov emphasized, “We are building transport and logistics chains that are not subject to external illegal influence. We are enhancing the items that constitute our mutual trade, and we build up the mechanisms for making sure that we are not hindered by illegitimate impact imposed by third parties.”

Jaishankar highlighted that multiple bilateral agreements, initiatives, and projects are currently being considered across diverse sectors, which will “certainly add more substance and texture” to the ongoing cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi.

He further stated that India-Russia relations have historically been “a factor of stability in international relations,” and their development is “not only in our mutual interest but also in that of the world.”

Putin’s upcoming trip takes place against the backdrop of Western scrutiny over Moscow’s close relationship with New Delhi.

The United States recently imposed a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% punitive duty on Russian oil imports, alleging that India is “funding” the conflict in Ukraine through its oil purchases.

India, however, has rejected Western criticism regarding its Russian oil imports. New Delhi asserts that its energy strategy is guided by “national interest,” even as it continues to strengthen trade ties with the United States.

Recently, India announced a one-year agreement with the US to purchase liquefied petroleum gas, projected to constitute nearly 10% of its annual requirement.

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