Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Thursday, 14 May, with discussions spanning regional and global flashpoints including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, underscored India's continued diplomatic engagement with Moscow even as global pressure mounts over the Ukraine war.

India's Consistent Stance on Dialogue

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only credible path to resolving armed conflicts, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Modi also requested Lavrov to convey his warm greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the PMO noted. The exchange signals that New Delhi intends to keep its back-channel with Moscow active despite Western pressure to distance itself.

Bilateral Progress Since the December 2025 Summit

Lavrov briefed Modi on the progress made in bilateral cooperation since the two nations' leaders met in December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The agenda reportedly covered trade, energy, and defence linkages that have deepened since Western sanctions reshaped Russia's economic partnerships. India has emerged as one of Russia's largest oil buyers in the post-sanctions period, a dynamic that continues to define the relationship.

BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi

Lavrov's visit to India is part of his participation in the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which commenced in New Delhi on Thursday under India's chairship. The high-level gathering is being chaired by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and is witnessing participation from foreign ministers and senior representatives of BRICS member countries and partner nations. The Russian Embassy in India confirmed Lavrov's call on Modi in a post on X, describing it as part of the BRICS ministerial framework.

Jaishankar-Lavrov Bilateral Talks

A day earlier, on Wednesday, Lavrov held a separate bilateral meeting with EAM Jaishankar in New Delhi. The two ministers discussed multiple dimensions of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, including trade and investment, energy and connectivity, science and technology, and the facilitation of mobility of skills and talent. In a post on X, Jaishankar described the exchange as a 'productive' one and noted that 'other global and multilateral issues of mutual interest were also discussed.'

What This Signals

India's decision to host Lavrov at the prime ministerial level — not merely at the ministerial — sends a calibrated diplomatic message: New Delhi values its Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Moscow and is not willing to let it atrophy under external pressure. This comes amid a broader diplomatic offensive by India, which has positioned itself as a potential bridge between Russia and the West on the Ukraine conflict. With the BRICS chair giving India additional multilateral leverage, the Lavrov visit is likely to be watched closely in both Washington and Kyiv.