Key Points
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov alleges US and Quad nations are pressuring India to join military activities.
- Lavrov claims India joined Quad for trade, not military cooperation.
- Russia expresses concern over Quad’s naval and military exercises.
- Lavrov calls for reviving the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral format.
- Lavrov accuses NATO of trying to draw India into anti-China strategies.
- India has not officially responded to Lavrov’s statements.
Perm, Russia: In a significant diplomatic statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United States and other Quad countries (Australia, Japan, and India) of attempting to pressure India into a military alliance, moving beyond the group’s original focus on trade and economic cooperation. Lavrov’s remarks were made during an event in Perm, a city near the Ural Mountains, and have added a new dimension to the ongoing debate over India’s strategic partnerships.
Lavrov’s Allegations: Quad’s Expanding Military Agenda
Speaking on Friday, Lavrov claimed that while India initially joined the Quad for peaceful and economic cooperation, the US and its partners are now pushing for deeper military collaboration. He cited information purportedly received directly from Indian officials, emphasizing that India’s intent was never to turn the Quad into a military bloc.
“We spoke to our Indian colleagues, and they assured us their interest in the Quad is purely for trade and economic cooperation,” Lavrov stated.
He warned that, despite India’s intentions, other Quad members are increasingly organizing naval and military exercises, sometimes outside the official Quad framework, in an effort to draw all four nations—including India—into coordinated military activities.
Concerns Over Naval Exercises and Provocations
Lavrov expressed concern that these military drills could be seen as provocative, especially in the context of regional tensions. He suggested that India is aware of these pressures and can see the potential risks involved in being drawn into a military alliance that could alter the balance of power in Asia.
Russia’s Push for RIC Format
Amid these developments, Lavrov signaled Moscow’s renewed interest in revitalizing the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral format. He underscored the importance of the RIC as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among the three major Eurasian powers, especially as global alliances shift.
“I want to confirm that Russia is interested in re-activating the Russia-India-China format as soon as possible,” Lavrov said.
Accusations Against NATO
Lavrov did not stop at the Quad. He also accused NATO of trying to involve India in “conspiracies against China.” He claimed this assertion was based on confidential discussions with Indian officials, though he did not provide further details or evidence.
India’s Official Silence
Despite these strong statements from Russia, the Indian government has not yet issued an official response. India has traditionally maintained a careful balance in its foreign policy, engaging with both Western and Eastern blocs while emphasizing its strategic autonomy.
Lavrov’s remarks highlight growing Russian unease over India’s deepening ties with the US and its allies, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The call to revive the RIC format signals Moscow’s desire to keep India engaged in multilateral platforms that include China, as global power dynamics continue to evolve.
