Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday affirmed Moscow’s active support for India’s BRICS presidency, which officially began on January 1, 2026. Highlighting the 10-member bloc’s current roadmap, Lavrov described India’s agenda as “modern and highly relevant,” particularly for its focus on counter-terrorism and energy security.

Speaking ahead of Russia’s Diplomats’ Day on February 10, Lavrov emphasized that India’s priority on curbing terrorism along the India-Pakistan-Afghanistan corridor aligns perfectly with Russia’s security interests. He noted that Moscow is working closely with Delhi at the UN to advance a global anti-terrorism framework. Lavrov also pointed out that India’s emphasis on food and energy security comes at a critical time when the global market is facing “coercive measures” from the Trump administration.

In a sharp critique of US economic policies, the Russian Foreign Minister accused Washington of weaponizing the US dollar and attempting to monopolize global energy routes. He alleged that the US is trying to prevent India from purchasing affordable Russian energy to protect its own high-priced exports. Lavrov reiterated that under President Putin, Russia remains committed to a multi-polar world where sovereign nations like India can prioritize their national interests without external pressure.