US pressure would not affect India and Russia relationship: Lavrov

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS):  The US pressure would not affect India and Russia relationship, said  Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday adding that if India wants to mediate for resolution to the Ukraine problem, it can support such a process. Lavrov is on a two day visit to India where he deliberated with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar over crude offer, rupee-ruble payment, ongoing arms deals, Ukraine crisis, situation in Afghanistan and Iran. Talking about India playing a bigger role in the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov said:  "India is an important and serious country. If India plays that role that provides resolution, India as our common partner.. we are for the security guarantee of Ukraine.. West has ignored it's responsibility...If India is with its position of just and rational approach to international problems, it can support such a process." On India's view on the Ukraine crisis, he also said that India's foreign policy is guided by its independent position. About India's foreign policy, Lavrov said "I believe that Indian foreign policies are characterised by independence and the concentration on real national legitimate interests. The same policy is based in the Russian Federation and this makes us, as big countries, good friends and loyal partners." India has stayed neutral on seven Ukraine-related resolutions at the United Nations. Lavrov categorically said Russia's aim in Ukraine is to deprive the Kyiv regime from building the capacity to present any threat to Russia. During interaction with media persons here, Lavrov  talking about the Ukraine crisis said:  You called it a war which is not true. It is a special operation, military infrastructure is being targeted. The aim is to deprive the Kyiv regime from building the capacity to present any threat to Russia." Lavrov  and Jaishankar  assessed the overall state of cooperation and considered the implications of recent developments on trade and economic relations. The two ministers discussed developments pertaining to Ukraine. Minister Lavrov briefed the Indian side from Russia's perspective, including the ongoing talks. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of cessation of violence and ending hostilities. Differences and disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and by respect for international law, UN Charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The ministers also discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Minister Lavrov conveyed his assessment of the recent conference on Afghanistan in China. Jaishankar noted that UNSCR 2593 expressed the concerns of the international community and spoke of humanitarian support for the Afghan people. Iran and the JCPoA issue were also featured in the talks. On the supply of crude and arms, Lavrov said Russia will be ready to supply to India any goods which India wants to buy from them. "We are ready to discuss. Russia and India have very good relations," Lavrov said. When asked whether the rouble-rupee system for bilateral trade is being worked out, Lavrov said, "We have to find ways to bypass impediments." Source-https://ians.in/