Russia Pledges Full Support to India's Forward-Looking BRICS Agenda
In a significant diplomatic statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared on Monday that Moscow will extend its full support to India's chairmanship of the BRICS bloc. Lavrov described New Delhi's agenda as forward-looking and highly relevant, with a strong emphasis on critical global issues such as counter-terrorism and energy security. The remarks were made during an interview with the TV BRICS International Network ahead of Russian Diplomats' Day, observed on February 10.
Counter-Terrorism: A Central Pillar of India's BRICS Leadership
Lavrov highlighted that India places special emphasis on counter-terrorism, which remains a pressing global challenge. He pointed out that terrorist activities are notably observed in Afghanistan, along its borders, and in the India-Pakistan-Afghanistan corridor, among other hotspots. "This priority is particularly significant for us, especially as we actively work with India in the UN to advance a global counter-terrorism convention, which is already drafted, although consensus has not yet been reached," Lavrov stated. He underscored the collaborative efforts between Russia and India in pushing for international consensus on this crucial issue.
Energy Security and Economic Priorities Under India's Chairmanship
Elaborating further, Lavrov noted that alongside counter-terrorism, New Delhi prioritizes food and energy security. He emphasized that energy security will be crucial, particularly in light of recent actions by the Trump administration in the global energy sector. These priorities, according to Lavrov, hold practical significance and real-world impact. His comments come at a time when India and the US have agreed to a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which reduces tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% in exchange for New Delhi halting its purchase of Russian crude oil.
Expanding Cooperation: ICT and Artificial Intelligence
Among other key areas, Lavrov mentioned that India prioritizes Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which Moscow actively supports. He also revealed that India has invited Russia to the 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' scheduled from February 16 to 20, adding that Moscow is actively involved in shaping the agenda. This invitation underscores the deepening technological collaboration between the two nations within the BRICS framework.
Lavrov Criticizes US Economic Influence and Interference
In a pointed critique, Lavrov claimed that the United States is losing its economic influence globally, while countries like India, China, and Brazil are rising to power. "BRICS countries have been growing faster than Western nations for several years. But established countries that are losing their influence are now trying to interfere with this growth," he said. Lavrov accused Washington of attempting to control Moscow's trade and military ties with its allies, including India, using unfair methods against Russia.
Continuity in BRICS Policy and Initiatives
Lavrov underscored the consistent direction in the priorities set by successive BRICS chairs. He noted that during Russia's 2024 presidency, several initiatives were launched to develop alternative platforms and mechanisms to boost the global economy. These efforts have been carried forward and further developed under Brazil's chairmanship last year and are now being advanced under India's leadership. This continuity highlights the bloc's commitment to collective growth and resilience.
India Assumes BRICS Chairmanship in an Expanded Bloc
On January 1, 2026, India formally assumed the chairmanship of BRICS, an 11-member bloc that now includes the original members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with six new members: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia. This expansion marks a significant evolution in the bloc's global influence and strategic reach.
Lavrov's endorsement of India's agenda reinforces the strong bilateral ties between Moscow and New Delhi, setting a collaborative tone for India's tenure at the helm of BRICS. With a focus on pressing global challenges and innovative solutions, India's chairmanship is poised to drive meaningful progress within the bloc and beyond.
