Shri Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, visited Moscow on December 19-20, 2024, to co-chair two significant meetings: the 13th India-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism (CT) and the 6th round of India-Russia consultations on United Nations-related issues. His Russian counterpart, H.E. Mr. Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, co-chaired the meetings, which saw participation from officials of relevant departments and agencies from both sides.
Advancing Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
The 13th JWG on Counter-Terrorism was a pivotal discussion on enhancing cooperation between India and Russia in the fight against global terrorism. The two sides exchanged insights and experiences on countering terrorism, with a particular focus on combating cross-border terrorism, extremism, and terror financing. Both countries emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing threat of radicalization and the use of new and emerging technologies by terrorist organizations.
During the talks, the delegations discussed current terrorist threats at the global and regional levels, acknowledging that terrorism is a transnational challenge that requires enhanced coordination. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism efforts not only in bilateral contexts but also on multilateral platforms, underscoring the need for international solidarity in combating this persistent threat. Both nations agreed to intensify collaboration on intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint efforts to curb terror financing networks.
UN Consultations and Reforms
In the 6th round of consultations on UN-related issues, India and Russia exchanged views on pressing regional and global developments, with particular attention to matters concerning the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). One of the main highlights of the consultations was Russia’s strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UNSC. Both sides agreed that a more inclusive and representative UNSC would better reflect contemporary global realities.
The discussions also covered other critical matters such as the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and international cooperation on climate change and humanitarian issues. Both India and Russia reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the multilateral system and ensuring that the UN continues to be an effective platform for addressing global challenges.
Engagement with Russia on Regional Issues
On December 19, Secretary Lal also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Mikhail Galuzin, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, to discuss current international and regional developments. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The two sides exchanged views on the situation and its broader implications for regional stability and international relations.
India has consistently maintained a position of neutrality on the conflict, calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences. Secretary Lal and Deputy Minister Galuzin also explored avenues for greater India-Russia collaboration on issues of economic cooperation, security, and energy in light of the evolving global situation.
Strengthening India-Russia Relations
The India-Russia strategic partnership continues to evolve, with a shared commitment to addressing both regional and global challenges. The outcomes of the 13th JWG on CT and the 6th round of UN consultations have laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in counter-terrorism, multilateral diplomacy, and UN reforms.
The meetings in Moscow reflect the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations, which have been cooperating closely on a wide range of issues, from defense and trade to technology and cultural exchange. The commitment to further enhance strategic ties through regular high-level dialogues was clearly evident during the discussions.
Looking Ahead
As both India and Russia work together to address the most pressing global challenges, the 13th JWG on CT and 6th UNSC consultations have served as key milestones in strengthening the broader India-Russia partnership. With a focus on counter-terrorism, UN reform, and regional security, the two countries are poised to continue their collaboration in shaping a stable, secure, and peaceful world order.
In the coming months, further cooperation in counter-terrorism, the UN system, and global security initiatives will be critical, with India and Russia continuing their efforts to promote multilateralism, peace, and prosperity across the globe.