Indian PM’s invitation to Russian forum not linked to political situation in India

NEW DELHI, Jan 9, 2019, TASS. Russia does not intervene in the domestic affairs of other countries and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to the Eastern Economic Forum is not linked to the upcoming election in India, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in New Delhi on Wednesday, reported the TASS News Agency.

“We never interfere with the domestic affairs of any country, and the idea itself that Russia is trying to somehow influence domestic processes in some country contradicts the philosophy, ideology and practice of Russia’s foreign policy. We respectfully treat any choice of the Indian people,” he noted, answering the question of Indian journalists on why Russia invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take part in the forum in Vladivostok in September despite the parliamentary election which is to be held in India in the spring. It does not mean that Moscow intends to support Modi at the upcoming election.

“An invitation to an international event has no relation to the domestic political situation. We clearly understand that India’s high-level participation will be a considerable contribution to the success of the Eastern Economic Forum. We would welcome India’s high-level participation in the forum. However, this invitation has no relation and can’t have any relation to the domestic political situation in India,” Ryabkov stressed.