EAM Jaishankar holds key talks with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on UNGA sidelines 

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York.

The Russian Embassy in India confirmed the meeting on X, stating, “Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and EAM Dr S Jaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.”

Following the meeting, Jaishankar tweeted, “Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #UNGA80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East."
Earlier, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India’s request to Russia for the release of 27 Indian nationals reportedly recruited into the Russian military. “As per our information, 27 Indian nationals are presently serving in the Russian army. We are also in close touch with their family members in the matter," he said.

He also cautioned Indians against joining the Russian forces, noting, “We once again strongly urge all Indian nationals to stay away from the offers being made to serve in the Russian army as they are fraught with danger and risk to life."

Jaiswal added that India is actively engaging Russian authorities to secure the release of the affected nationals, emphasizing, “We have strongly raised this matter with Russian authorities in Moscow and with the Russian embassy in New Delhi, and asked for them to be freed as soon as possible."