Opening Remarks by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar during his meeting with Sergey Lavrov (May 13, 2026)

Excellency,

I warmly welcome you and your delegation to India for the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting. This is also an occasion to review our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and exchange views on global developments.

The last few years have seen a steady and sustained growth in our bilateral partnership. Its economic and energy dimensions have become more pronounced. Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment.

We have expanded our collaboration in science and technology. The mobility of skills and talents has acquired greater salience, and our interest in ensuring better connectivity is deeper.

Excellency,

The Annual Summit provides us regular guidance for taking forward our ties. It is our responsibility, as Foreign Ministers, to regularly oversee and review implementation. Constant tending is the best solution for progressing ties.

The complicated international situation also merits an open exchange of views, especially between two trusted partners. Our two nations have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity. We also benefit through greater derisking and diversification. I look forward to discussing these and other issues.

Once again, a very warm welcome and I invite you to make your opening remarks.

New Delhi
May 13, 2026