Greater cooperation needed between India, Russia under evolving multipolar order: Jaishankar

Against the backdrop of the continuing war in the Gulf, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said the “evolving multipolar order” called for “greater cooperation” between India and Russia both bilaterally as well as multilaterally through groupings such as BRICS, SCO, G20 and the United Nations. Mr. Jaishankar addressed a conference on India-Russia relations through video link and said Delhi-Moscow relations over the past decades had helped in advancing “regional and global peace” and stability. Speaking at the same event, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Lavrov said India-Russia ties had “major significance” in the backdrop of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and said Russia was “looking forward” to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the India-Russia annual summit 2026.

“The evolving multipolar order necessitates greater cooperation, including through BRICS, SCO, G20 and the UN. India, during its BRICS Chairmanship with a ‘humanity first’ and ‘people-centric’ approach looks forward to closely working with Russia to address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner,” said Mr. Jaishankar speaking in a conference titled, “India and Russia: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda”. Talking about the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia, Mr. Jaishankar said the relationship continued to “deepen” and reminded that during President Vladimir Putin’s December 2025 visit to New Delhi the two sides signed multiple agreements on areas such as mobility of skilled professionals, health and food safety, maritime cooperation, fertilizers, customs and commerce.

“Over decades, our mutually beneficial cooperation has advanced regional and global peace, stability and progress,” said Mr. Jaishankar. He expressed India’s support for the Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement about which the two sides had expressed readiness during Mr. Putin’s last visit to India. He appreciated Russia’s partnership with India in the field of civil nuclear energy and described Russia as the “foremost partner” of India in the field of civil nuclear energy and referred to the Kudankulam Nuclear Project as a “stellar example”. Mr. Jaishankar also referred to the newly opened Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg as missions that would further enhance overall relation between India and Russia.

Speaking at the same event, Mr. Lavrov said India “steadfastly pursues strategic autonomy” in the current world scenario. He said that around 96% of India-Russia trade was now conducted in national currencies and expressed Russian support for India’s BRICS chairship in 2026. He further said that bilateral relation between the two sides had “major significance” against the backdrop of the “acute military and political crisis in the Persian Gulf provoked by the United States and Israel.”

“Ready to help”

“Interactions in multilateral formats is developing on an upward trajectory within the frameworks of the UN, BRICS, SCO and the G20. This year, India holds the BRICS presidency under the motto ‘strengthening resilience, innovation, cooperation and stability. We are ready to fully assist our Indian friends throughout the entire duration of their Chairmanship,” said Mr. Lavrov, addressing the meeting through a video link. Referring to the India-Russia annual summit that would be hosted in Russia this year, Mr. Lavrov said, “We look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia in 2026.” Mr. Lavrov praised India for pursuing an “independent foreign policy” and said, India’s “consistent prioritisation of national interests command the deepest respect”.

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Mr. Lavrov’s remarks in the event were followed by his telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. In a statement after the phone call, the Iranian Foreign Ministry called for regional coordination and said, “Araghchi also underlined the need for continued consultations between Iran and Russia, as well as with other regional partners, to explore ways of preserving peace and stability.” Iran has urged that under India’s presidency, BRICS should play an “independent role” as the U.S.-Israel campaign continues against Iran.