In a significant diplomatic engagement, India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The high-level discussion centered on a range of issues of mutual interest to both nations, reinforcing the long-standing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.
Key Discussions and Russian Support for BRICS
The meeting, reported by PTI, was marked by a crucial development on the multilateral front. The Russian First Deputy Prime Minister extended strong support to India's upcoming chairship of the BRICS grouping. This endorsement is seen as a vital boost for India's leadership role in the influential bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The backing from a founding member like Russia underscores the collaborative spirit within the group and sets a positive tone for India's tenure.
Agenda of Mutual Interest
While the official statement highlighted discussions on "issues of mutual interest," the agenda typically encompasses several key pillars of the India-Russia relationship. These often include:
- Economic and Trade Cooperation: Exploring ways to enhance bilateral trade and navigate financial mechanisms amidst global challenges.
- Energy Security: Collaboration in the oil, gas, and nuclear energy sectors, which are cornerstones of the partnership.
- Defence and Strategic Ties: Ongoing military-technical cooperation and shared perspectives on regional and global security.
- Multilateral Coordination: Aligning positions in international forums like the UN, SCO, and of course, BRICS.
The meeting between the Finance Minister and the senior Russian official signifies the importance both governments place on maintaining continuous high-level dialogue to steer this complex relationship forward.
Implications for India's Global Stance
This interaction holds considerable weight for India's foreign policy trajectory. The explicit Russian support for India's BRICS chairship solidifies India's position as a key player in shaping the agenda of emerging economies. As India prepares to lead the bloc, such bilateral assurances are crucial for building consensus and driving initiatives on critical issues like global economic stability, sustainable development, and digital transformation.
The talks also reaffirm India's balanced and independent approach to international relations, engaging constructively with all major powers based on national interest. The outcome of this meeting is expected to provide further momentum to the comprehensive strategic partnership, with detailed follow-ups likely in the coming months as India gears up for its leadership role in BRICS.
