‘This is the first time the Indian PM has gone to the airport to greet the Russian president’ – Kanwal Sibal

This is the first time the Indian PM has gone to the airport to greet the Russian president; it’s a conscious gesture with geopolitical intent – former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal.

In this episode of Sanchez Effect, Sibal explains that PM Modi’s gesture of meeting his friend Putin at the airport is a break from protocol that sends a strong message: India won’t be swayed by Western disapproval of Russia. Sibal discusses the ups and downs of the relations India and Russia have with countries like the US and others, arguing that the only partnership on the global stage that has remained positive over the years without fluctuations is the one between New Delhi and Moscow. He acknowledges the challenge of US pressure to reduce ties with Russia but insists that India doesn’t need to pick a side these days – it can pursue the best of both worlds. He also critiques the absurdity of the US trying to push India to stop buying Russian oil, noting that it previously advised New Delhi to keep buying to stabilize prices. Now they’re shifting their stance, which he says can only be described as bullying. How will India handle this, and what does the future hold for Russia-India relations? Find out, only on RT!