On September 27, 2025, a flurry of high-level diplomatic activity unfolded in New York as world leaders gathered for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Amid the swirl of international debates and pressing global issues, the spotlight shone brightly on India and Russia—two nations whose enduring partnership has long played a pivotal role on the world stage.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, representing India, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on the sidelines of the UNGA, marking yet another chapter in the countries’ storied relationship. The meeting, confirmed by both the Russian Embassy in India and Jaishankar himself on social media, was described by Jaishankar as a “useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East.” According to ANI, this conversation took place during the High-Level Week of the UNGA, an event that gathers foreign ministers and heads of state from around the globe.
But the diplomatic engagement wasn’t confined to the corridors of the UN. Just days earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation that underscored the “strong and time-tested nature” of relations between Moscow and New Delhi. The Kremlin, as reported by TV BRICS and the official website of the Russian government, highlighted Putin’s praise for India’s achievements under Modi’s stewardship. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is pursuing a completely independent, sovereign policy and, most importantly, is achieving very good results in the economic sphere. India is demonstrating the highest economic growth rates among the world’s major economies,” Putin stated.
The call between Putin and Modi was more than a routine check-in. It came on the heels of a congratulatory telegram from the Russian president to Modi for his 75th birthday, a gesture that Putin used to emphasize Modi’s “great personal contribution to strengthening the special privileged strategic partnership between our countries and developing mutually beneficial Russian-Indian cooperation in various areas.” Putin’s confidence in the continuation of “constructive dialogue and joint work on topical issues on the regional and international agenda” was palpable, signaling stability and optimism for the future of bilateral relations.
India-Russia ties, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs, have been a key pillar of India’s foreign policy since the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000. Over the years, this partnership has weathered geopolitical storms and shifting alliances. The recent flurry of meetings and affirmations by both sides only serve to underscore the depth and resilience of this relationship.
Back in New York, Jaishankar’s diplomatic dance card was full. In addition to his meeting with Lavrov, Jaishankar addressed the General Assembly during the morning session of the high-level debate. The UNGA’s 80th session, themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” was a fitting backdrop for India to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov also delivered his address during the same session, just ahead of Jaishankar, underscoring the parallel priorities and shared platforms of the two countries.
Jaishankar’s week was marked by a series of strategic meetings and initiatives. He met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirming the commitment to deepening India-US ties and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific through the Quad partnership. Rubio, for his part, expressed gratitude for India’s involvement in trade, energy, and critical minerals—areas of growing importance as global supply chains face new pressures.
Further expanding India’s diplomatic reach, Jaishankar met with US Ambassador to India-designate Sergio Gor, where both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and the United States. The EAM also participated in a special informal meeting of European Union Foreign Ministers, hosted by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, which included ministers from Brazil and Mexico and focused on multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, energy, and trade.
India’s role as a champion of the Global South was on full display as Jaishankar hosted a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries, emphasizing solidarity and multilateral engagement among developing nations. He also hosted the second edition of the L69 and C10 Joint Ministerial, highlighting the collective resolve of the Global South to push for reforms at the United Nations Security Council—a perennial demand from emerging economies seeking a greater voice in global governance.
On September 25, Jaishankar joined his counterparts from Japan, Germany, and Brazil at the G4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where the group reiterated its strong commitment to reforming the United Nations. The expansion of the Security Council and the ongoing Inter-Governmental Negotiation (IGN) process were central to their discussions, reflecting the desire of major democracies to update the world body for the 21st century.
BRICS, another important multilateral grouping, was also on Jaishankar’s agenda. On September 26, he hosted a meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers, highlighting the bloc’s pivotal role in promoting multilateralism and constructive international engagement. The focus on multilateral forums like BRICS and the G4 signaled India’s intent to shape the global order rather than merely respond to it.
Amidst these packed engagements, Jaishankar’s meeting with Lavrov stood out not just for its symbolism, but for its substance. According to ANI, both ministers discussed not only bilateral relations but also the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East—issues that have roiled global politics and tested the diplomatic agility of nations worldwide. Jaishankar himself wrote, “Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #UNGA80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East.”
These conversations, both public and private, illustrate the complex web of relationships and interests that define modern diplomacy. For India and Russia, the challenge is to sustain their “special privileged strategic partnership” amid a rapidly changing world—one where alliances shift, new powers emerge, and old certainties fade. Yet, as the events of late September 2025 show, both sides remain committed to dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
As the 80th UNGA session drew to a close, the world’s attention inevitably shifted to the next crisis or summit. But for India and Russia, the week’s meetings and conversations were more than just diplomatic rituals—they were a reaffirmation of a partnership that has stood the test of time, and a signal that, whatever the future holds, the lines of communication will remain open and active.
