India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar provided insights into a recent dialogue with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, highlighting a broad exchange on a range of current topics. The conversation was reported by TASS, the Russian state news agency, and described as part of ongoing bilateral discussions between New Delhi and Moscow.
Jaishankar characterized the talks as an “extensive discussion” focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. He noted that the discussions touched on a wide array of issues pertinent to the two nations and their shared regional and international interests, with particular attention to how their collaboration aligns with broader global initiatives.
During a comprehensive meeting with Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 Council of Foreign Ministers, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of exchanging views on bilateral cooperation and on topics connected to the G20 agenda. The meeting underscored India’s role as a key participant in global forums and its ongoing engagement with Russia on matters of mutual concern and regional stability.
Details about the specific outcomes or agreements from the Lavrov-Jaishankar engagement were not disclosed at that time, leaving room for further statements or official summaries to follow. The timing of Lavrov’s visit to India adds a layer of significance to the discussions, signaling continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The context of these developments is set against India’s active chairing of the G20 in 2023. The leadership role positions India to coordinate discussions on international economic and political issues, and it also involves coordinating high-level participation at major summits. Notably, former Indian ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma, who has previously served in Moscow, was mentioned in relation to the event, underscoring the ongoing importance of India’s diplomatic channels with Russia and other global partners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated participation alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin was noted as part of the broader leadership presence anticipated at the gathering, reinforcing the intersecting interests of the two nations within the G20 framework.