Responding to questions concerning potential US sanctions on India for importing Russian oil, Sergey Lavrov clarified that the economic relationship between India and Russia remains unaffected. He stated that Indian leadership has clearly communicated India’s prerogative to choose its own partners. Lavrov noted that India would be willing to discuss the terms of trade with the US, but would manage its relationships with other nations independently. The Russian Foreign Minister also reiterated Russia’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, underscoring the need for UNSC reform to reflect current geopolitical realities. Moscow’s backing of India’s application for a permanent seat on the Council, along with Brazil’s, aims to provide broader representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
