NEW DELHI — In a move to deepen their “specially privileged strategic partnership,” India and Russia held the 7th round of Consultations on United Nations Matters on March 17, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Mr. Alexander Alimov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation.
Strategic Coordination at the UN
The consultations served as a platform for both nations to align their positions on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) agenda, particularly as global tensions continue to rise:
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Security Council Reform: Both sides emphasized the urgent need for UNSC reforms to make the body more representative, democratic, and reflective of current global realities.
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Counterterrorism & Peacekeeping: A significant portion of the dialogue focused on strengthening multilateral efforts in counterterrorism and enhancing the safety and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.
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Global Hotspots: The diplomats exchanged detailed views on critical regional developments, including the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
High Degree of Alignment
According to statements from both the MEA and the Russian Embassy, the discussions revealed a “high degree of alignment” on most global issues.
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International Law: Both parties reiterated their shared stance on resolving international crises through the framework of international law and the UN Charter.
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Bilateral Synergy: The consultations also touched upon the upcoming election of the UN Secretary-General, with both nations agreeing to maintain close contact and coordination.
This 7th round follows the previous session held in Moscow in December 2024, highlighting the consistent nature of the high-level diplomatic exchange between New Delhi and Moscow on multilateral governance.
