UN Security Council: In a significant declaration of support, Russias Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, affirmed Russias wholehearted backing of Indias aspiration to attain permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Diplomatic Support for Indias UNSC MembershipExpressing firm support, Ambassador Alipov stated that Russia fully endorsed Indias rightful claim to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. This affirmation followed in-depth discussions between the foreign ministers of both nations in December, highlighting the strategic nature of their bilateral relations.Strategic Importance of Indias RoleAmbassador Alipov underscored the strategic significance of Indias permanent membership in the UN Security Council. He highlighted Indias balanced and independent approach to pressing global issues, citing the concurrent Indian Presidencies in the G20 and the SCO in 2023. This alignment provided an opportunity to advance crucial agendas concerning economic challenges, Sustainable Development Goals, and transitions in digital and energy realms. The ambassador emphasised the collaborative efforts within the BRICS format as well.Robust Diplomatic ExchangesThe Russian envoy highlighted the frequency of exchanges at various levels, including heads of Security Councils and seven meetings between foreign ministers in the past year. He interpreted this dynamic engagement as reflective of the relevance and necessity of their dialogue, especially in the current turbulent geopolitical scenario.Shared Values in MultilateralismAmbassador Alipov emphasised the shared commitment to preserving the unbiased nature of multilateral institutions. Both nations focussed on genuine democracy in international affairs and global governance, prioritising the central role of the United Nations and international law over an undefined rules-based order.Bilateral Relations and Recent Diplomatic EngagementsAlipov noted the resumption of the work of the Intergovernmental Commission after the pandemic and highlighted the steadfast bilateral relations between Russia and India. He mentioned the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Moscow, where discussions spanned diverse global issues, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.Economic and Strategic CooperationJaishankars visit covered discussions on economic cooperation, connectivity efforts, military-technical cooperation, and people-to-people exchange. He applauded the flourishing India-Russia trade, which is at an all-time high, and indicated the resumption of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.Strengthening Energy Ties and Nuclear CooperationJaishankar highlighted Indias plans to expand investments in the oil and gas sector, emphasising the substantial relationship between the two countries. He announced amendments to advance the Kudankulam nuclear power project and discussed connectivity through the North-South Transport Corridor.Enduring PartnershipIn summarising the bilateral ties, Jaishankar termed Russia as Indias valued and time-tested partner. The developments across various sectors, including trade, investment, and military-technical cooperation, underscored the significance New Delhi places on its relations with Moscow.
