India, Russia to boost energy ties, defence item production

Amid efforts to pin Russia down in Ukraine, India's external affairs minister backed ties with Moscow, calling it a valued partner. Jaishankar met Lavrov in Moscow, discussing energy ties & defence cooperation. They also discussed about the war-like situation going on in countries like Gaza & Ukraine. Lavrov reiterated Russia's support for India's candidature for permanent membership of the Security Council. They agreed on expanding exports of hydrocarbons to India & cooperation in nuclear energy.