India to Deepen Engagement with Russia Under BRICS Chairship, Says EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday emphasised India’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with Russia, saying the two nations will work closely to address shared challenges during India’s ongoing BRICS chairship. Speaking at a virtual conference titled “India and Russia: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda,” Jaishankar highlighted the importance of a balanced and inclusive framework for 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,” he said.

Recalling Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December 2025, Jaishankar noted that the engagement expanded cooperation into diverse sectors, including mobility of skilled professionals, health and food safety, maritime collaboration, fertilisers, customs, commerce, and academic and media exchanges.

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The EAM further stressed that both countries are committed to increasing bilateral trade from the current $68.7 billion to $100 billion by 2030. He cited the need to finalise the India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement, address non-tariff barriers, and leverage India’s skilled workforce to achieve this goal.

Highlighting cultural ties, Jaishankar pointed to growing people-to-people connections based on shared appreciation for art, yoga, Ayurveda, and culture. He noted the exhibition of Shakyamuni Buddha relics in Kalmykia last year as a symbol of deep civilisational links and expressed confidence that new Indian consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan would further strengthen economic, social, and cultural engagement.

He concluded by underlining that evolving global dynamics require deeper collaboration through multilateral platforms such as BRICS, SCO, G20, and the UN. Jaishankar praised the Russian International Affairs Council and the Indian Embassy in Moscow for hosting the conference and reiterated that India-Russia relations, rooted in trust and mutual respect, continue to advance regional and global peace, stability, and progress.

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