External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday conducted a series of high-level bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Malaysia, Uganda, Cuba, and Iran on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and addressing regional and international issues of shared concern.
During his meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Jaishankar reviewed the progress achieved under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Malaysia. The two leaders also assessed developments following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia earlier this year, with both sides emphasizing stronger collaboration across multiple sectors.
Jaishankar later met Uganda’s Foreign Minister Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, where discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in food security, healthcare, technology sharing, and business engagement. The Indian minister highlighted the importance of deeper connections between businesses and communities in both nations, particularly through the support of the Indian diaspora.
The talks also explored opportunities to expand technological partnerships and improve collaboration in sectors that directly impact economic growth and public welfare. Both countries acknowledged the value of long-standing ties and expressed commitment to advancing bilateral relations further.
In another significant meeting, Jaishankar held discussions with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. The leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation in healthcare, development initiatives, and capacity-building programs. Both sides also exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at establishing regular diplomatic consultations between the foreign ministries of India and Cuba, reflecting efforts to institutionalize bilateral dialogue.
The Cuban and Indian delegations reaffirmed their intention to continue working together in areas related to education, development partnerships, and technical cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and discussed its broader regional and global implications. They also reviewed bilateral matters of mutual interest and explored ways to maintain diplomatic engagement amid changing geopolitical conditions.
Jaishankar welcomed Iran’s participation in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted under India’s 2026 chairmanship, describing the discussions as constructive and meaningful.
The series of meetings reflected India’s continued efforts to strengthen its global diplomatic outreach through BRICS while deepening strategic partnerships with countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Officials stated that the discussions highlighted India’s growing role in promoting international cooperation, economic connectivity, and regional stability through multilateral engagement.
