External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Atlanta, where the two discussed the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Gulf and wider international issues. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 30 and 31.
Jaishankar shared a photograph with Lavrov on X on Saturday, October 31, confirming the meeting. “Discussed the Ukraine conflict, Gulf situation and multilateral issues with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia,” he wrote.
The meeting comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to divide world leaders and tensions in West Asia raise concerns over energy supplies, shipping routes and regional security.
Jaishankar, Lavrov discuss Ukraine and Gulf tensions
The two foreign ministers discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the Gulf situation and multilateral issues.
India has continued to engage with Russia through high-level diplomatic meetings despite differences between Moscow and Western countries over the war in Ukraine. India has also maintained its position that dialogue and diplomacy are important for resolving international conflicts.
Jaishankar also called for diplomacy over military action while addressing the G20 gathering. He said military solutions would not work in dealing with global challenges and stressed that diplomacy should be given a chance.
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G20 meeting faces divisions over Ukraine war
The meeting between Jaishankar and Lavrov took place amid disagreements among G20 members over the Ukraine war and other international security issues.
The two-day gathering in Atlanta was hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Russia’s participation also became a point of tension, with several European representatives objecting to appearing alongside Lavrov in the traditional group photograph. Rubio eventually cancelled the group photo.
The meeting ended without a joint communique as members failed to reach an agreement on several major issues. Instead, the United States planned to issue a chairman’s statement outlining the discussions.
Apart from Ukraine, the talks covered energy security, global supply chains, food security and the safety of important shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Jaishankar also holds Quad meeting in Atlanta
During his visit, Jaishankar also joined foreign ministers from the United States, Japan and Australia for a Quad meeting hosted by Rubio. The four countries agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, maritime security and other areas.
The ministers announced plans to establish the first-ever Quad Business Leaders’ Forum to encourage cooperation between businesses and governments. They also expressed their intention to provide more than $85 million in technical and financial assistance to improve access to trusted artificial intelligence across the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad members also announced plans for the first Sea Dragon 2027 maritime surveillance collaboration initiative.