Jaishankar Meets Russian Counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the Sidelines of 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, July 7, 2025 — Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil. The leaders held detailed discussions on advancing the India-Russia strategic partnership, fostering energy and defense cooperation, and addressing pressing global challenges.

Both ministers emphasized their nations' commitment to a multipolar world order and greater cooperation within BRICS, SCO, and the G20 platforms. The meeting reaffirmed India and Russia’s alignment on key geopolitical issues and a shared vision for sustainable economic growth and global stability.

 Highlights of the Meeting:

• Bilateral Relations: Jaishankar and Lavrov reviewed the progress of key bilateral projects, including defense cooperation and energy partnerships. They expressed satisfaction with the continued growth in India-Russia trade, which has seen a significant boost in recent years.

• Global and Regional Issues: The leaders exchanged views on the evolving security situation in Asia and Europe. They emphasized the importance of a multipolar world order and discussed ways to strengthen their roles within global platforms.

• BRICS Cooperation: As members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), both ministers reiterated their shared vision of enhancing cooperation within the grouping. They discussed new initiatives in sustainable development, innovation, and counter-terrorism.

• Ukraine Conflict and Global Stability: The ongoing Ukraine conflict was reportedly discussed, with India reiterating its call for peaceful dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. Russia welcomed India’s balanced stance on international crises.

• Energy and Economic Cooperation: With global energy dynamics shifting, both nations agreed to expand collaboration in oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy. Trade in national currencies and efforts to bypass Western sanctions were also key points of discussion.

The meeting highlighted the enduring nature of India-Russia relations, which have stood the test of time. Despite evolving global alliances, both nations continue to prioritize their strategic partnership through regular high-level dialogues and cooperation in multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and G20.