Russian overseas minister might go to India, to debate fee system for New Delhi’s procurement of oil and army {hardware}

By PTI

NEW DELHI: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is prone to go to India within the subsequent one week and the important thing focus is anticipated to be discussions on a fee system for New Delhi’s procurement of oil and army {hardware} from Moscow, folks aware of the developments stated on Monday.

It can be the highest-level go to from Russia to India after Moscow launched its army offensive towards Ukraine on February 24.

There has been no official phrase on the proposed go to both by the Ministry of External Affairs or by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

There has been a flurry of high-level visits to India in the previous couple of weeks together with by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and overseas ministers of Austria and Greece.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is scheduled to go to India on Thursday.

On Lavrov’s proposed go to, the folks cited above stated the principle focus is prone to be a fee system for India’s procurement of Russian crude oil and army {hardware}.

The western sanctions on Russia have created difficulties in making funds to that nation.

It is learnt that each side have been activating a rupee-ruble fee system.

Unlike many different main powers, India has not but criticised Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and it abstained from the votes on the UN platforms in condemning the Russian aggression.

However, final Thursday, India abstained on a decision pushed by Russia on the humanitarian disaster in Ukraine, which was seen as reflective of its impartial place on the battle.

India has been urgent for the decision of the disaster via diplomacy and dialogue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, March 2 and March 7.

Modi had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy twice.

Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated in Parliament that India’s place on the Ukraine battle has been “steadfast and consistent” and that it has been in search of fast cessation of violence.

His feedback got here within the backdrop of accelerating disquiet within the West over India not criticising Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and abstaining from the votes on the UN Security Council.

Russia has been India’s main provider of army {hardware} and New Delhi has been fearful about potential delays within the provide of some key platforms and gear due to the Ukraine battle.

India has additionally determined to buy discounted crude oil from Russia, triggering concern amongst a variety of Western powers.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated round two weeks again that India taking the Russian supply of discounted crude oil wouldn’t be a violation of the US sanctions on Moscow however underlined that international locations must also take into consideration “where you want to stand” on the Russian motion.