SECRET LISBON MEET FOCUSES ON INDIA'S NEUTRALITY, PURCHASE OF RUSSIAN OIL

‘The Ukraine defence minister is there, so are individuals who want a regime change in Russia. The head of BP Oil is there who did not like the Nord Stream line. These elites are very upset with India.’

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

At least 130 massively influential individuals from 23 countries are meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, for a four-day conclave, from 18-21 May, under the annual Bilderberg Meetings in which among the 13 topics that will be discussed under utmost secrecy is “India”.

These individuals, including political leaders and experts from industry, finance, academia, labour and the media, are all from North America and Europe. The said meeting is reportedly being held at the 5-star Pestana Palace hotel in Lisbon.

As per the norms followed in this annual meet, which began in 1954, these individuals will have informal discussions about major issues. The said meetings are held under the Chatham House Rule, under which the participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s) nor any other participant can be revealed.

Sources following this congregation, which has been called “secretive” and an event that discusses “informally” the ways to impact policy changes in Asian and African countries, said that the policy decision taken by India to remain “neutral” and take a balanced approach while commenting and acting on the Russia-Ukraine war will also be discussed by this influential gathering.

The said stand by India has come under severe criticism from influential bodies and institutions based in the Western region who want India to side with Ukraine.

The decision of India to buy cheap Russian oil keeping in view its domestic strategic needs, is also likely to come up for discussion with methods that need to be adopted to control will also likely be deliberated.