Jaishankar defends India-Russia ties, urges dialogue to end Ukraine war

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended New Delhi's ties with Moscow at the Munich Leaders Meeting, citing historical relations and national interests as the basis for India's foreign policy. Jaishankar said India-Russia relations have been strong since the 1950s, noting Soviet support during threats to India's territorial integrity. He described the relationship as consistently positive, now encompassing military, nuclear, space, trade, and energy cooperation. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India's call for ending the war through dialogue and diplomacy. He said India has recently engaged both sides, offering help on issues like Black Sea shipping safety, grain and energy exports, and non-attack possibilities.