EAM S. Jaishankar: We are assuring Russia a decade-long, steady ties

Amid a changing world order and two wars in the West Asia and Ukraine, major global powers are recalibrating their ties, both strategic and trade. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has outlined New Delhi's approach in order to adopt the swiftly changing reality. In an extensive interview with Bloomberg, S. Jaishankar has highlighted India's evolving ties with the United States, China, Russia and Europe. Jaishankar says that Washington's changing global approach has made it necessary for countries to reassess their relationships with it. The reality is the United States has repositioned itself. You know, it's changed the manner in which it engages the world, the basis on which it engages the world. So I think every country, in a way, has to recalculate and reset its relationship with the United States. As India looks to engage with China, he reaffirms that the primary focus still remains on ending the long-running border dispute. Jaishankar says progress towards normal ties depends on peace and stability along the boundary. He added that the situation has improved considerably since 2024. The point we make to the Chinese is, look, if you want a normal relationship, if the rest of the relationship is to move, then it makes, you know, it's common sense, it's a no-brainer that the boundary has to be stable, that we need peace and tranquility in the border areas. So as the border areas are... An embittered ties with the US and Europe has pushed Russia increasingly towards Asia, particularly China. Despite major geopolitical shifts, India is looking to maintain a steady partnership with Russia, which is a proven old friend. Jaishankar says the decade-long ties with Russia, they continue to serve both countries and contribute to the balance of power in Asia. The point we make to the Chinese is, look, if you want a normal relationship, if the rest of the relationship is to move, then it makes, you know, it's common sense. It's a no-brainer that the boundary has to be stable, that we need peace and tranquility in the border areas. So as the border areas are settling down, and it has settled down to a great extent since 2024, the relationship commensurately is moving towards normalcy. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also said that India is seeking a stronger tie with Europe. He added that India-European Union free trade agreement is expected to come into force in the coming months.