Moscow/New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) - On Monday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar emphasized that India, under its current BRICS chairmanship, is committed to a humanity-first and people-centric strategy, aiming to enhance collaboration with Russia to tackle mutual challenges within a balanced and inclusive framework.

While addressing a conference named 'India and Russia: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda' via virtual means, EAM Jaishankar reiterated New Delhi's steadfast dedication to its enduring partnership with Moscow.

“During our BRICS leadership, India seeks to work closely with Russia to confront shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner... I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fortifying our long-standing partnership and cherished friendship,” the EAM stated during his speech.

Reflecting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India in December 2025, he mentioned how it expanded bilateral relations into several new and diverse sectors.

“President Putin's visit to India in December 2025 was groundbreaking, covering various innovative areas such as the mobility of skilled professionals, health and food safety, maritime cooperation, fertilizers, customs and commerce, as well as academic and media collaboration,” EAM Jaishankar remarked.

He further emphasized that both India and Russia aspire to boost bilateral trade from the current $68.7 billion to $100 billion by 2030, doing so in a balanced and sustainable manner. To reach this goal, he stated that both nations must persist in efforts toward finalizing the India–Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA), addressing non-tariff barriers, regulatory challenges, and leveraging a skilled Indian workforce.

Highlighting the deepening cultural and civilizational links between the two nations, EAM noted, “Our people-to-people connections continue to flourish, founded on a shared appreciation for art, yoga, Ayurveda, and culture.”

He also mentioned that the exhibition of sacred relics of Shakyamuni Buddha from India in Kalmykia, Russia, last year exemplifies the close cultural bond between the two countries.

EAM Jaishankar expressed confidence that India's new consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan would further enhance economic, cultural, and social ties between the two nations.

He asserted that the evolving multipolar world demands greater cooperation through platforms such as BRICS, SCO, G20, and the UN.

EAM Jaishankar praised the collaboration of the Russian International Affairs Council and the Indian Embassy in Moscow for organizing the second consecutive edition of this initiative.

He also conveyed his regards to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, highlighting that India and Russia's unique and privileged strategic partnership is built on trust and mutual respect. EAM stated, “Over decades, our cooperative efforts have fostered regional and global peace, stability, and progress. In the context of today's evolving geopolitical landscape, our partnership continues to strengthen, propelled by frequent high-level exchanges.”