"We have always felt that international relations are based on some fundamental realism, and this realism demands engagement with Russia," Jaishankar said, while speaking at a conference dedicated to the Arctic/
As the minister pointed out, "There was a time when countries would gather for meetings where everyone was present except Russia, and they would discuss Russia." "But the idea that you would get a solution from Russia without inviting Russia challenges the fundamentals of realism. Therefore, we have always recognised that there is a need to engage with Russia," he added.
According to Jaishankar, it is impossible to achieve results without communication. "As a supporter of Russian realism, I am also a supporter of American realism. So, I think the best way to engage with today’s America is to also find mutual interests, rather than putting ideological disagreements to the forefront and allowing them to overshadow the opportunities for cooperation," he said.