Russia and India discussing absence of mutual transactions in rupees - Lavrov

PANAJI, India. May 5 (Interfax) - The absence of mutual transactions in rupees with India is a problem for Russia, and this issue is being discussed, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

"As regards rupees, this is a problem, because accounts in Indian banks have accumulated billions of rupees, and we need to use this money. To this end, rupees should be converted to other currencies. This issue is being discussed," Lavrov said at a press conference following his visit to India, after being asked to comment on reports that talks between Russia and India on using their national currencies in mutual settlements have been stopped.