Jaishankar: India-Russia Ties Steadiest; India's Independent Foreign Policy

• EAM Jaishankar described India-Russia ties as among the world's steadiest major partnerships over the past 70-80 years.
• President Putin's recent visit aimed to reshape India-Russia engagement, focusing on enhanced trade and economic cooperation.
• Jaishankar asserted India's "freedom of choice" and "strategic autonomy," rejecting external influence on its relations with other nations.
• He dismissed concerns that closer India-Russia ties would complicate India-US trade negotiations, emphasizing India's right to maintain multiple relationships.
• Key outcomes of Putin's visit included a mobility agreement for work opportunities and a joint venture on fertilizers.

Why It Matters: India's foreign policy prioritizes national interest and strategic autonomy.