Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday described Russia-India relations as a “deep, trust-based and long-standing strategic partnership,” stressing that the relationship goes far beyond oil and defense cooperation.
In a wide-ranging interview with RT India, Lavrov traced the origins of bilateral ties back to India’s independence, arguing that decades of Soviet-era engagement laid the foundation for today’s “privileged strategic partnership.”
Responding to questions about whether the partnership is mainly driven by energy and military trade, Lavrov rejected that characterization.
“It is not only oil and gas. It is much more,” he said, highlighting cooperation in nuclear energy, industrial production, education, and cultural exchange.
He noted that the relationship has evolved from a simple “buyer–seller” defense arrangement into joint production models, citing projects such as BrahMos missile co-production,Licensed manufacturing of T-90 tank in India ,Production of Kalashnikov assault rifle in India.
Lavrov said these initiatives demonstrate “high levels of trust,” including what he described as minimal secrecy in defense cooperation between the two countries.
Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s role as a “reliable energy supplier” to India, emphasizing continued cooperation in oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy projects such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.
He also pointed to expanding efforts in trade diversification and long-term economic planning, referencing agreements tied to Russia–India cooperation through 2030.
A major portion of the interview focused on global geopolitics, including sanctions, energy markets, and Western influence.
Lavrov criticized Western sanctions targeting Russian energy firms, arguing that measures against companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil were designed to push Russia out of global markets and reshape energy dependence toward Western suppliers.
He also warned about increasing competition over global shipping routes and energy corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic chokepoints.
Lavrov emphasized the importance of multilateral platforms such as BRICS, calling them essential for building independent financial and trade systems.
He said Russia supports India’s current BRICS presidency and expects progress on initiatives including Cross-border payment systems, Local currency trade settlement ,Independent financial infrastructure .
He also suggested that BRICS could play a greater role in addressing regional crises, though he acknowledged internal differences among member states. “In defining its priorities, India has focused on goals that, first, reflect its national interests, including progress towards the objectives set for 2047; second, uphold the principle of consensus, which remains indispensable within BRICS; and third, ensure continuity in the group’s work and development, He told RT during the interview.
“I have already mentioned the decision adopted at the Kazan summit to develop settlement, payment, reinsurance, and exchange mechanisms that would be independent of the arbitrary restrictions and political whims of our Western colleagues. India is committed to continuing this work, although it will naturally require time. The Indian side has presented a highly active agenda across all three key dimensions of BRICS: trade, economic, and financial cooperation; political and security issues; as well as cultural and humanitarian interaction. A wide range of initiatives and events is planned in each of these areas, and I have no doubt that they will further strengthen and enrich the BRICS framework,” he said.
Commenting on India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 (“Viksit Bharat”), Lavrov praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an “energetic leader” and said Russia supports India’s long-term development ambitions.
He highlighted cooperation in energy security, industrial growth, and technology transfer as key contributions Russia can make to India’s future.
Addressing regional tensions, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s historical support for peaceful dialogue between India and Pakistan, while stressing that such disputes must ultimately be resolved bilaterally without external intervention.
He also referred to broader Eurasian security challenges and the need for greater regional dialogue frameworks.
Lavrov described Russia–India ties as rooted not only in state interests but also in cultural and people-to-people connections.
“Hindi–Rusi bhai bhai is not just a slogan,” he said, adding that the partnership is “unthinkable” to break due to its historical depth and mutual trust.
