India and Russia are celebrating 75 years of their diplomatic engagement this year

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday extended greetings to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, the government and people of Russia on their National Day.

“Greetings to FM Sergey Lavrov and the Government and people of the Russian Federation on their National Day. We take forward (to) our special and privileged strategic partnership,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic triggered difficulties, the two countries held the inaugural two plus two meeting and the 21st annual summit last year.

On April 1, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov visited India, held talks with EAM Jaishankar, and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit took place amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

During his meeting with PM Modi, the Russian FM briefed PM Modi on the situation in Ukraine.

In that meeting with the visiting Russian Foreign Minister, PM Modi had reiterated his call for an early cessation of violence in Ukraine. “Prime Minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of violence, and conveyed India's readiness to contribute in any way to the peace efforts,” the MEA said.

Earlier Denis Alipov, the Russian Ambassador told the Russia Digest magazine on the occasion of the 75th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries that Russia deeply cherishes the equal and respectful relations with India and the multidimensional cooperation between the two strategic partners is one of the world’s “most elaborate” ones.

He also said the delivery of S-400 air defence missile systems to India is proceeding well in accordance with the schedule. “Russia deeply cherishes equal and respectful relations with India. Our cooperation plays the role of a defining factor for global peace, stability and sustainable development,” the Russian ambassador said.

“We are confident in the future of our bilateral ties and are ready to move forward in utilising their potential and exploring new horizons for the benefit of the people of our two friendly nations,” he added. His comments have come in the midst of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. India is yet to condemn the Russian action and has pressed for the resolution of the crisis through dialogue