NEW DELHI: External affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting (FMM).
The two leaders reviewed the ongoing progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation and discussed recent developments concerning the Ukraine conflict, including Lavrov’s meeting in Riyadh.
Jaishankar, in a post on X, stated, “Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia this evening in Johannesburg. Reviewed the continued progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation.” He further added, “Discussed recent developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict, including his Riyadh meeting. Agreed to remain in touch.”
Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry also confirmed the meeting, sharing on X, “Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr @DrSJaishankar hold talks on the sidelines of the G20 Ministerial.”
The discussions between Jaishankar and Lavrov included an exchange on the situation in Ukraine. Lavrov’s recent meeting in Riyadh was a key point of conversation, as Russia continues diplomatic engagements regarding the conflict.
Jaishankar’s engagement with Lavrov comes at a time when global discussions around a resolution to the Ukraine war are intensifying. While India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy, Russia has been engaged in talks with various stakeholders, including recent meetings in Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening India-Russia cooperation
Beyond the Ukraine issue, Jaishankar and Lavrov reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Russia bilateral relations. The two countries have deep economic, defence and energy partnerships.
India has maintained its strategic ties with Russia, balancing its foreign policy approach amid evolving 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 engagement with G20 countries and bolster the voice of the Global South in this important forum.”
Jaishankar also met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings and assured India’s support for South Africa’s G20 priorities.
Additionally, he also held bilateral discussions with Singapore’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira and Ethiopian foreign minister Gedion Timotheos, focusing on global developments and strengthening ties.
