New Delhi

Sergey Lavrov on Friday underscored the growing depth of the India-Russia strategic partnership, signalling a stronger push by both countries to shield bilateral trade and investment from the impact of sanctions, tariffs, and other economic pressures imposed by third countries.

Speaking in New Delhi after the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Lavrov said his discussions with S. Jaishankar, as well as his meeting with Narendra Modi, focused on advancing the “special and privileged strategic partnership” shared by Moscow and New Delhi.

Lavrov said the conversations built upon the priorities set during summit meetings between Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Modi, including their most recent annual summit held in New Delhi in December 2025.

A key focus of the talks was expanding economic cooperation while creating financial and trade mechanisms that can function independently of external political and economic pressures. According to Lavrov, both nations are working to strengthen trade, investment, and financial cooperation in ways that reduce vulnerability to “unfriendly” actions by other countries.

He said both sides also reviewed the shared goal of increasing bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, while exploring ways to improve transport connectivity and investment flows to support long-term economic integration.

Lavrov’s remarks come against the backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics, including reciprocal tariff measures introduced by the United States, which have created uncertainty in international markets.

The Russian foreign minister also briefed Prime Minister Modi on the progress made since the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, including developments across key sectors of bilateral cooperation.

In addition to economic matters, the leaders exchanged views on pressing global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.

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The discussions reflect the continued effort by India and Russia to deepen strategic, economic, and geopolitical cooperation amid an increasingly complex global environment.