Russia FM Lavrov pledges strong support for India-led BRICS 2026 agenda

Russia has pledged active support for India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship , calling New Delhi’s agenda “modern and highly relevant,” with emphasis on counter-terrorism , energy security , technological cooperation, and global governance, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.

India formally assumed the BRICS chair on January 1, 2026 , leading a bloc expanded to ten members, including the original five - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa - plus five new members. Lavrov highlighted that India’s priorities address both current and future global challenges, reflecting a forward-looking approach to multilateral cooperation .

Lavrov said counter-terrorism remains a top focus, citing threats in Afghanistan and along the India–Pakistan–Afghanistan corridor. Russia and India are working together at the United Nations to advance a global counter-terrorism convention, which has been drafted but is still awaiting consensus. He stressed that BRICS security cooperation is increasingly important amid instability in parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Energy and food security are also key priorities under India’s chairmanship, with Russia noting that global energy policy shifts make collective BRICS action crucial. India is also emphasizing ICT and emerging technologies, including hosting an artificial intelligence summit this year, with Russia contributing to the agenda. Lavrov said this effort is critical to establishing norms for AI use, including in military applications, while respecting state sovereignty and ensuring transparency.

India’s 2026 agenda extends beyond security and technology to include resilience , sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development. New Delhi is promoting cooperation in agriculture, health, supply chains, and sustainable development, while amplifying Global South interests. The New Development Bank is being positioned as a key tool to support infrastructure and sustainable investment across BRICS member states.

Lavrov emphasized that India’s priorities reflect continuity with past BRICS leaderships and ongoing efforts to reform global institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, to ensure emerging economies receive proportional influence. Moscow does not advocate dismantling these institutions but seeks equitable reform, despite Western opposition.

As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit later this year, the chairmanship is expected to strengthen cooperation on security, economic integration, and technology, while advancing a more inclusive global governance framework that reflects 21st-century realities.