Moscow, February 17 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted ambassadors from BRICS member and partner countries on Tuesday, and discussed ways to enhance "strategic partnership" within the group during India's rotating chairmanship this year.
India formally assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2026, a 10-member bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with five new members.
A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry said, "The participants held a comprehensive exchange of views on enhancing the strategic partnership within the group, taking into account the priorities outlined under India's BRICS chairmanship this year."
In a group photo of the BRICS envoys posted by the ministry, Indian ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar was seen standing in the center next to Lavrov.
"During the working lunch, the discussion focused on current global issues, highlighting the importance of preserving the UN's central role," the statement said.
The BRICS envoys emphasized the need for joint efforts to reform the global governance system and enhance the influence of countries representing the Global Majority in international decision-making.
They also expressed a shared commitment to raising BRICS' international profile and strengthening coordination among its members in key multilateral forums.
BRICS has emerged as an influential group representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP, and around 26 per cent of the global trade.
Last week, India presented to the BRICS nations its priorities for its chairship under the theme 'building for resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability'.
The focus areas were briefed to the member nations at the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas from February 9 to 10 in New Delhi.
