Johannesburg, 20 February 2025 – On the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar held a pivotal bilateral meeting, reaffirming the robust ties between Moscow and New Delhi.

The ministers recognised the remarkable progress in their strategic partnership, highlighting the success of practical cooperation across diverse domains. This dialogue builds on the foundation laid during the 2024 meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Moscow and Kazan.

Key outcomes of the discussion included:

● Confirmation of priority areas for future collaboration, aligned with the leaders’ agreements.

● Detailed planning of forthcoming high-level political engagements, including the much-anticipated Russian-Indian summit later this year.

● Agreement on preparatory meetings at the foreign ministry level to ensure comprehensive coordination.

Regional and Global Issues Discussed

The dialogue also featured an in-depth exchange of views on:

● Asia-Pacific dynamics and Eurasian security, with both parties emphasising the importance of stability and multilateral cooperation.

● Collaborative efforts within the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, reinforcing their commitment to these vital multilateral platforms.

● The ongoing situation in Ukraine, including perspectives on international responses and diplomatic approaches.

Minister Lavrov further briefed Dr Jaishankar on the outcomes of recent discussions with American representatives in Riyadh, offering valuable insights into ongoing geopolitical developments.

A Strategic Vision for the Future

This meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen their comprehensive partnership, grounded in mutual respect, shared priorities, and a long history of cooperation.