New Delhi: Amid rising global concerns over fuel supply disruptions due to tensions in West Asia, Sergey Lavrov has assured India that Russia will continue fulfilling its energy commitments to New Delhi without interruption.
Ahead of his visit to India for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Lavrov said Moscow would ensure that India’s interests remain protected in matters related to oil, gas and coal supplies. He stressed that Russia had “never failed” to honour its energy obligations towards India or any other partner nation.
In an interview before the BRICS gathering, Lavrov praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him one of the world’s most energetic leaders. He also underlined the deep-rooted friendship between India and Russia, saying the relationship was built on trust and strategic cooperation.
The Russian minister highlighted the importance of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, a major Indo-Russian collaboration that continues to expand with additional power units under construction. He noted that Russia would keep supporting India’s growing energy demands through hydrocarbons and nuclear cooperation.
Lavrov is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his visit. Discussions are likely to focus on the West Asia crisis, BRICS cooperation, trade expansion, energy security and regional geopolitical developments.
The assurance from Moscow comes at a time when several countries are witnessing uncertainty in fuel supplies and rising concerns over global energy stability.