Nueva Delhi: Minister of External Affairs (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov On Thursday in Johannesburg on the margin of the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the G20 (FMM).
The two leaders reviewed the ongoing progress of Bilateral cooperation of India-Russia and discussed recent developments on the Ukraine conflict, including the Lavrov meeting in Riyadh.
Jaishankar, in a publication about X, declared: “I’m glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov in Russia tonight in Johannesburg. He reviewed the continuous progress of the bilateral cooperation of India-Russia.” In addition, he added: “He discussed recent developments related to the Ukraine conflict, including his Riyadh meeting. He agreed to remain in contact.”
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the meeting, sharing in X, “Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. @Drsjaishankar, holds conversations to the Margin of the G20 ministerial. “
The discussions between Jaishankar and Lavrov included an exchange on the situation in Ukraine. The recent Lavrov meeting in Riad was a key point of conversation, since Russia continues diplomatic commitments regarding the conflict.
Jaishankar’s commitment to Lavrov comes at a time when global discussions on a resolution to the Ukraine War are intensifying. While India has constantly requested dialogue and diplomacy, Russia has participated in conversations with several interested parties, including recent meetings in Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening of India-Russian cooperation
Beyond the theme of Ukraine, Jaishankar and Lavrov reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the bilateral relations of India-Russia. The two countries have deep economic, defense and energy associations.
India has maintained its strategic ties with Russia, balancing its foreign policy approach in the midst of the evolution of global dynamics.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in an official statement, said: “EAM’s participation in the G20 FMM will strengthen India’s commitment to the G20 countries and strengthen the voice of the Global South in this important forum in this important forum “
Jaishankar also met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he transmitted the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assured India’s support for the priorities of the G20 of South Africa.
In addition, he also made bilateral discussions with Singapore Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and Ethiopia Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, focusing on global developments and strengthening of ties.
