Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: While Brics foreign ministers and leaders of delegations jointly called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov got an exclusive meeting with the PM. Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi separately met NSA Ajit Doval.According to an Indian readout, Lavrov briefed Modi on the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation since the meeting of the two leaders in Dec 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit. They also discussed various regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Ukraine and West Asia, with Modi reiterating India’s “consistent stand” in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the best way forward. Lavrov was the only minister Modi met privately. The PM also asked him to convey his greetings to President Vladimir Putin.Modi later wrote on X the grouping had emerged as an important platform for advancing cooperation among emerging economies and giving voice to the aspirations of the Global South. “Under India’s Chairmanship this year, we will work together to strengthen multilateralism, promote sustainable development, enhance economic resilience and build a more inclusive world order.”
