India and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to a multipolar world order ahead of a major economic gathering in St Petersburg.
Meeting before the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Indian and Russian envoys discussed the shifting dynamics of a multipolar world and the current global landscape, particularly stressing European affairs.
The Financial Times reported that Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko met ahead of the forum.
The Russian side stressed Western bloc's confrontational stance towards Russia and other sovereign nations stresses the role of the European Union and NATO in destabilizing global security, fuelling the resurgence of neo-Nazism, and heightening tensions in the Ukraine conflict.
Regional and international matters were addressed, including collaboration within BRICS during Russia's chairmanship of the group of emerging economies, along with Eurasian security. Both sides reiterated their commitment to sustaining dialogue.
Grushko emphasized the significance of the discussions, noting that a growing part of the global community favours establishing a just and democratic international relations system rooted in principles such as genuine equality, mutual consideration of interests and respect for cultural diversity.
These principles align with the ethos of BRICS, which Russia chairs this year. The association was declared at the 10th St Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2006.
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his greetings to the participants, organisers and attendees of the St Petersburg Forum, scheduled for June 5 to 8.
Putin highlighted the Forum's longstanding role as a platform for politicians, experts, business figures, scholars and media representatives worldwide to discuss significant economic trends both in Russia and the global arena for over 25 years.
"Our country is open to constructive dialogue and interaction with partners and is ready to work together to address the economic, social, scientific, and technological challenges of our time," Putin said. "I am confident that the Forum will jump-start new and promising initiatives and projects, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries and peoples.”
Plenary sessions, roundtables and panel discussions will explore avenues for advancing international cooperation, fostering scientific and technological advancement, nurturing human capita, and addressing prevailing challenges, under the overarching theme of "The Foundations of a Multipolar World – The Formation of New Areas of Growth."