India to deepen ties with Russia during BRICS chairship, Jaishankar says
NEW DELHI — India will work closely with Russia to address shared global challenges as it leads the BRICS grouping, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Monday, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Moscow.
Speaking virtually at a conference titled “India and Russia: Towards a new bilateral agenda,” Jaishankar said India’s BRICS chairship would be guided by a “humanity-first and people-centric approach,” with a focus on inclusive cooperation.
“India, during its BRICS chairmanship with a humanity-first and a people-centric approach, looks forward to closely working with Russia to address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner… Let me reiterate our steadfast commitment to strengthening our long-standing partnership and cherished friendship,” Jaishankar said.
He pointed to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December 2025 as a turning point that expanded bilateral engagement into new areas.
“The last visit of President Putin to India in December 2025 broke new ground, covering diverse and novel areas, including mobility of skilled professionals, health and food safety, maritime cooperation, fertilisers, customs and commerce, and academic and media cooperation,” he said.
Jaishankar also highlighted efforts to grow bilateral trade from the current $68.7 billion to $100 billion by 2030, calling for progress on a proposed free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, along with steps to address regulatory barriers and improve market access.
Beyond economic ties, he emphasized deep cultural connections between the two countries, citing shared appreciation for art, yoga, Ayurveda, and other traditions. He also referenced last year’s exhibition of sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha from India in Russia’s Kalmykia as an example of enduring civilizational links.
The minister said new Indian consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan would help strengthen economic, cultural, and social ties.
Jaishankar underscored the importance of cooperation in an evolving multipolar world, pointing to platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the G20, and the United Nations as key venues for collaboration.
He also praised the Russian International Affairs Council and the Indian Embassy in Moscow for organizing the conference and extended greetings to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
“Over decades, our mutually beneficial cooperation has advanced regional and global peace, stability, and progress. In today’s evolving geopolitical dynamics, our engagement continues to deepen, driven by frequent high-level exchanges,” Jaishankar said. (Source: IANS)
