Business
India-Russia Discussions Focus on Energy, Trade and Multipolarity
India and Russia Discuss Energy, Trade, Multipolarity and Global Security Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
S. Jaishankar and Sergey Lavrov held extensive bilateral discussions in New Delhi on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and global strategic issues ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Lavrov arrived in the national capital to participate in the two-day BRICS foreign ministers’ conclave beginning Thursday. The high-level diplomatic gathering comes amid evolving geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine.
According to officials, Jaishankar and Lavrov discussed several dimensions of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, including investment, science and technology cooperation, mobility of skilled professionals, and connectivity initiatives.
In a social media post following the meeting, Jaishankar described the discussions as a “productive exchange of views” and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries in a volatile global environment.
The two leaders are also understood to have exchanged views on the escalating West Asia crisis and the ongoing Ukraine conflict, although details of the discussions were not officially disclosed.
During his opening remarks, Jaishankar said India and Russia share a common interest in strengthening a multipolar global order and enhancing strategic “de-risking” amid changing international dynamics.
He noted that economic and energy cooperation between the two countries had expanded significantly in recent years, while collaboration in science, technology and talent mobility had also gained importance.
On the sidelines of the diplomatic engagements, Jaishankar separately met Mauro Vieira, Ozzy Lamola and Iruthisham Adam.
In his interaction with the Maldivian foreign minister, Jaishankar reiterated India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to the Maldives’ development and progress.
Several other international leaders have also arrived in Delhi for the BRICS meeting, including Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE, with Indonesia joining in 2025. The grouping now represents nearly half of the world’s population and a substantial share of global GDP and trade.