India and Russia Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Ahead of UN Security Council Presidency

Strategic Insights -

As India prepares to take up the presidency of the UN Security Council in December, the country and Russia have agreed to deepen their cooperation on counter-terrorism issues and enhance bilateral coordination at the United Nations. The latest talks between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma in New Delhi reflect the strong commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership and cooperation on international security challenges. The discussions covered a range of pressing global issues, including the situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, and the conflict on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. India plans to chair a special briefing on challenges to the global counter-terrorism architecture on December 15, highlighting the country's commitment to addressing this pressing issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • India and Russia have agreed to deepen cooperation on counter-terrorism issues and enhance bilateral coordination at the UN, as per statements issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • The talks between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma covered a range of pressing global issues, including the situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, and the conflict on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
  • India plans to chair a special briefing on challenges to the global counter-terrorism architecture on December 15, during its presidency of the UN Security Council.
  • The talks came amidst tensions between Russia and NATO over Ukraine, with India playing a crucial role in tempering the language of the G-20 joint statement.
  • Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister also briefed Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Russia's position, with a focus on UN peacekeeping and India's concerns in this area.

Statistics:

  • India has abstained from 9 UN General Assembly and UN Security Council votes that have criticized Russia in the past 9 months.
  • India plans to chair a special briefing on challenges to the global counter-terrorism architecture on December 15, during its presidency of the UN Security Council.
  • The talks between India and Russia were the third such UN consultations between the two nations in the past year.
  • Russia and India have a "special and privileged strategic partnership", as stated in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.

Sources:

  • "ME releases statement on India-Russia talks", Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
  • "Russia, India hail expansion of strategic partnership", Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • "India abstains from yet another UN vote against Russia on Ukraine", Hindustan Times
  • "G-20 summit in Bali: India, Indonesia temper critical language on Ukraine", Times of India