India and Russia Agree to Deepen Cooperation at the UN Security Council

India and Russia agreed to increase cooperation at the United Nations Security Council on Monday following extensive talks on issues facing the global body. In February, Russia is set to assume the presidency of the UN Security Council.  According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two parties undertook bilateral talks on UN-related matters at a meeting in Delhi.

Reenat Sandhu, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), headed the Indian mission, while Ambassador Sergey Vasilyevich Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the Russian delegation. Reenat Sandhu congratulated Russia on its incoming UN Security Council presidency.

“Both sides held wide-ranging discussions on issues on the UN Security Council agenda and related developments. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest at multilateral platforms,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

“The Russian delegation briefed India on its priorities during the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. Both sides also agreed to work closely together, given the common challenges faced and in keeping with their long-standing special and privileged strategic partnership,” it said.

Vershinin also met with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and informed him on Russian aims for the UN Security Council Presidency.