Kumar Bahukhandi
The visiting dignitaries, who made a joint call on the prime minister, included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, Indonesia’s Sugiono, and South Africa’s Ronald Lamola. — PTI
The India-hosted meet assumed greater significance as the influential bloc grapples with the economic consequences of the West Asia crisis, particularly the severe energy supply disruptions, and Washington’s policy on trade and tariffs
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met foreign ministers of BRICS nations in New Delhi as India hosted a two-day conclave of the grouping ahead of its annual summit.
The visiting ministers included Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, Indonesia’s Sugiono and South Africa’s Ronald Lamola, who jointly called on the Prime Minister.
The meeting comes amid global economic concerns arising from the West Asia crisis, including disruptions in energy supply and evolving trade and tariff policies.
Modi met Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and discussed bilateral ties and key regional and global issues, including the situations in Ukraine and West Asia.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Lavrov briefed Modi on progress in bilateral cooperation since the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in December 2025.
“Foreign Minister Lavrov and the Prime Minister exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Ukraine and West Asia,” the statement said.
During the meeting, Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the preferred approach for resolving conflicts and expressed support for peaceful solutions.
“Pleased to receive Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Thanked him for an update on the progress on various facets of our Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership. We also exchanged views on various regional and global issues, including situation in Ukraine and West Asia. Reiterated our consistent support for efforts aimed at peaceful resolution of conflicts,” Modi said in a post.
The Prime Minister also conveyed his greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin through Lavrov.
India, which currently holds the BRICS chair, is hosting the foreign ministers’ meeting ahead of the annual summit scheduled in September.
The grouping now represents around 49.5 per cent of the global population, about 40 per cent of global GDP and roughly 26 per cent of global trade. The meeting is being chaired by external affairs minister S. Jaishankar.
