India, Russia hold consultations amid crisis in West Asia, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Indian and Russian diplomats conducted Foreign Office Consultations in India on Monday amidst the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.
• The Russian delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, while the Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
• Discussions covered the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and perspectives on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
• S. Jaishankar and Andrey Rudenko met to discuss regional and global developments.
• India currently chairs BRICS, which includes Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE.

Detailed Insights:

• The meeting occurred shortly after Sergei Lavrov announced Moscow's preparations for the annual India-Russia summit later this year.
• Discussions included a wide array of issues on the bilateral agenda, focusing on the schedule of upcoming interactions between both nations.
• The U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran has increased complications for BRICS, as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE are members of the bloc.
• BRICS has not released a statement regarding the attacks on Iran, prompting Iran to strike U.S. military bases and energy interests in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Jaishankar emphasized the need for closer cooperation between India and Russia through BRICS, SCO, G20, and the United Nations, in the evolving multipolar world.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at promoting economic and political cooperation.

BRICS+

• SCO: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance.
• Multipolar World: A world order in which several major powers or centers of influence exist.