Russia strengthens strategic partnership with India

Russia is building a "privileged strategic partnership" with India, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He spoke at an event on Monday, highlighting efforts to grow ties with India and other countries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Lavrov mentioned that Russia aims to strengthen its relationships with many nations. He stated that ties with China are marked by a high level of mutual trust. He emphasized the importance of deepening connections with India, referring to it as a particularly privileged partnership. The foreign minister also noted progress in expanding friendly relations with Iran and North Korea. He highlighted Russia's commitment to enhancing cooperation with allies in the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the Eurasian Economic Union. President Vladimir Putin recognized the strong ties between Russia and India in a message earlier this year. He called their relationship a "special and privileged strategic partnership". Putin is expected to visit India this year as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders regularly communicate through phone calls and meet at international events.