Russia
Source: en.interaffairs.ru

Eihab Omaish, UNOCT: Russian Federation consistently engaged in multilateral processes and supported initiatives at strengthening international cooperation on counter-terrorism
13:04 02.12.2025 • Yuri Nemtsev, International Affairs observer
Photo: https://ammonnews.net/
On the eve of the BRICS+ International Conference on Combating Terrorism in Moscow on December 3-4, the Director for Policy and Coordination in The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Mr. Eihab Omaish spoke about the importance of joint international efforts and Russia's role on this track.
International Affairs: Dear Mr. Eihab Omaish, given the UN's 80^th anniversary and the rise of multipolarity, the fight against international terrorism takes on a special significance, and requires a multilateral approach. How do you assess the suitability of the UN framework for enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation and Russia’s efforts in support of this?
Mr. Eihab Omaish: The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted by consensus in 2006 and reaffirmed regularly by the General Assembly, remains the cornerstone of our collective efforts. It provides a comprehensive framework built on four mutually reinforcing pillars:

1. Addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism,
2. Preventing and combating terrorism,
3. Building Member States’ capacity and strengthening the role of the UN, and
4. Ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law in all counter-terrorism measures.

Within this framework, the Russian Federation has consistently engaged in multilateral processes and supported initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation on counter-terrorism, including in the UN’s General Assembly and Security Council. These contributions reflect a recognition that countering terrorism is both a national responsibility and a transnational issue requiring coordinated responses.
The strong political and financial support of the Russian Federation reinforces The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) central role in providing leadership and coordination of the UN system’s counter-terrorism efforts, operationalized primarily through the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. As the UN’s main instrument under the auspices of the Secretary-General for ensuring political coordination and coherence across 46 UN entities and international partners, the Compact helps the Office translate its mandate into coordinated assistance to Member States at the global, regional, and national levels.
UNOCT also works closely with Member States, including the Russian Federation, to advance implementation of the Strategy through technical assistance. The Russian Federation has actively supported UNOCT-led capacity-building programmes, for example on preventing the use of small arms and light weapons by terrorists and on protection of vulnerable targets. Russia’s support to UNOCT demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism as a key mechanism for building global resilience against terrorism.
International Affairs: Is there a potential for this work to gain a consolidated international momentum? What challenges in this area do you see that are needed to be addressed in the foreseeable future?
Mr. Eihab Omaish: There is strong potential for consolidated international momentum in counter-terrorism. This is one of the few areas where Member States have maintained consensus for nearly two decades, as reflected in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy since its adoption in 2006. That spirit of unity was reaffirmed during the 8th review of the Strategy, and we expect it to continue through the 9th review cycle, which concludes in June 2026.
This consensus is underpinned by a shared threat picture. The Secretary-General’s latest reports and the 1267 Monitoring Team’s findings underscore both urgency and opportunity: ISIL remains resilient, shifting its center of gravity toward Africa while maintaining networks in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. The Secretary-General recently warned of a “disastrous domino effect” in the Sahel, which highlights the need for regional cooperation—an opening for unified engagement.
Beyond political consensus, operational success will depend on converting shared assessments into coordinated, evidence-based action. Several challenges require urgent attention:

1. Rapid Evolution of Threats: Terrorists are exploiting emerging technologies—AI, encrypted platforms, drones, and cryptocurrencies — for recruitment, propaganda, and financing. This demands updated regulations, global norms, and robust data-sharing mechanisms.
2. Crime-Terrorism Nexus: The growing convergence between organized crime and terrorism — through drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrime — creates threats that blur traditional categories. Responses must integrate law enforcement, financial intelligence, and counter-extremism strategies.
3. Governance Gaps: Fragile states and ungoverned spaces allow terrorist groups to control territories comparable to entire countries. Addressing this requires governance restoration, stabilization, and development assistance.
4. Resource and Capacity Gaps: Many states lack the technical, financial, and institutional capacity to meet their obligations under international law, the requirements from the Security Council, and their commitments under the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. This is where UNOCT’s mandate is critical — serving as a global coordination hub, strengthening partnerships with regional organizations, and ensuring technical cooperation remains inclusive and rights-based.

In short, the political will exists, and the frameworks are in place. The challenge — and the opportunity — lies in translating consensus into coordinated, innovative, and rule of law and human rights-based action.
International Affairs: This year, the BRICS countries are celebrating the five-year mark since the adoption of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which was elaborated within Russia's chairmanship in the BRICS. In your opinion, can this initiative be considered as a key document or a framework for uniting international efforts to counter terrorism?
Mr. Eihab Omaish: The BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted under the Russian chairmanship in 2020, is an important policy document. It reflects the shared priorities of major economies and provides guidance in areas such as improving information-sharing, combating terrorist financing, strengthening criminal justice cooperation, and supporting capacity-building.
Regional strategies such as the BRICS framework can play an important role in the implementation of obligations under international law, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and Security Council requirements. They translate global commitments into region-specific action, foster political ownership, and create additional platforms for cooperation. UNOCT strongly supports the development of such regional approaches in line with the universal principles of the United Nations and the existing international framework against terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations.
International Affairs: What are the prospects for cooperation between the BRICS and the SCO countries on the counter-terrorism track with the UNOCT?
Mr. Eihab Omaish: BRICS and SCO bring together Member States with significant experience, resources and regional influence. Both formats have developed institutional mechanisms — working groups, expert exchanges, and joint declarations that help articulate regional perspectives on counter-terrorism.
UNOCT’s Strategic Plan (2022–2025) emphasizes partnerships with regional and subregional organizations to implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. At the same time, BRICS has a well-developed Counter-Terrorism Strategy (2020) and Action Plan (2021), which explicitly recognize the UN’s central coordinating role and commit to aligning with international law and UN resolutions. It encourages multilateral cooperation and capacity-building while embedding human rights safeguards in all engagements.
UNOCT maintains strong cooperation with many BRICS and SCO countries through our regional offices, the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, and specific capacity-building projects. Our 2020 Memorandum of Understanding with the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) provides an important platform for deepening this cooperation, especially in areas such as border management, information-sharing, and combating terrorist financing.
UNOCT’s cooperation with BRICS members and their partners has recently expanded through two targeted technical engagements: Countering Terrorist Travel Programme and Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT). Both initiatives demonstrated strong interest in deeper cross-regional cooperation on emerging technologies, terrorist travel prevention, and CFT challenges across the BRICS and broader Eurasian regions.
Looking forward, several areas hold strong potential for expansion, particularly 1) coordinated capacity-building programmes in Africa, Central Asia, and other regions facing heightened threats, and 2) exchange of good practices and enhanced coherence between BRICS/SCO initiatives and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
International Affairs: What would you like to wish to the participants of the upcoming BRICS+ conference? Do you expect to reach any specific agreements as a result of the conference?
Mr. Eihab Omaish: I would like to commend the organizers and participants of the BRICS+ conference for prioritizing counter-terrorism and for engaging constructively across regional and political groupings. Such platforms can play a meaningful role in fostering strategic dialogue, building trust and advancing practical cooperation.
My message to participants would be twofold:
Firstly, Member States share a common interest in protecting their populations from terrorism, which was demonstrated in the Pact for the Future which calls for a future free from terrorism. Therefore, we must heed the voices of victims of terrorism and protect global consensus on the international counter-terrorism agenda, anchored into international law. I would welcome any outcomes of this conference that strengthen multilateralism, identify clear capacity-building priorities, and feed into the deliberations for the 9th review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and High-Level Counter-Terrorism Week scheduled to be held in New York from 29 June to 2 July 2026.
Secondly, I hope this conference will bolster UN efforts to work with BRICS+ partners to turn agreed priorities into practical, impactful programmes on the ground. Cooperation between the BRICS+ countries will continue to be critical, and the United Nations is committed to leveraging BRICS+ expertise in areas such as countering terrorist financing, cyber threats, and preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

December
Source: iol.co.za

The 5th volume of 'Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' offers valuable insights for the Global South, as South African leaders discuss its implications during a promotional event in Johannesburg.
Image: Supplied

A promotional event was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on December 3 for the English edition of the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," drawing around 200 participants.

According to the participants, the fifth volume reflects the latest developments of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, systematically demonstrates the defining features, practical pathways and remarkable achievements of China's path to modernisation, and offers valuable insights and approaches for Global South countries pursuing their own modernisation.

China and South Africa, both key members of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and important forces in the Global South, will work together to implement the 10 partnership actions for advancing modernisation, promote the four major global initiatives, and contribute to the revitalisation and development of the Global South as well as to the realisation of the shared dream of China-Africa modernisation, they said.

South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa said the book covers key areas, including China's modernisation pathway, the fight against poverty, global development cooperation, and technological innovation, among others.

It provides a valuable window and inspiration for the Global South into how China interprets and responds to global challenges, Ramokgopa said.

South Africa and China remain aligned in advancing multilateralism and collective action to accelerate development and strengthen synergies and cooperation between China's Belt and Road Initiative and South Africa's National Development Plan 2030, she added.

South African National Assembly House Chairperson Cedric Frolick said that the book presents a comprehensive blueprint for China's future development and offers South Africa a window into China's latest development vision and foreign policy priorities. 

The concepts of putting people first, pursuing green development, promoting common prosperity, and building a community with a shared future for humanity provide important insights for countries seeking to advance modernisation and strengthen their governance capacity, he added.

During the event, copies of the English edition of the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" were presented to the guests.

The participants also exchanged views on topics including sharing modernization experiences, global governance and the Global South, and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, among others.
The event was co-hosted by the State Council Information Office of China, the China International Communications Group, and the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.

South Africa
Source: iol.co.za


IN a visibly divided international world order, cut down the middle between the Global North and Global South, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has nailed his country’s colours to the mast by brazenly defying the West and hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin on a state visit.

It is a stance India has not taken lightly. To defy the US and EU combined requires balls of steel. The gradual but certain decline of Western hegemony has seen the Global North lose its stranglehold on the international governance system.

The renaissance of the Majority World, better known as the Global South, has used the twilight of the 21st century to dare challenge Western dominance of the globe.

This week’s very public embrace of Putin in the rarefied atmosphere of New Delhi at the invitation of Modi has left the West reeling in disbelief and downright disdain. The tables have turned. Modi has drawn the line in the sand. Modi’s expression of independence of thought and freedom of choice is a microcosm of the Global South’s unstoppable rise like a phoenix.

Surely, there will be consequences looming on the horizon for India. But India’s sovereignty is clearly not up for sale. National interest has precipitated the Modi administration to make a bold choice. It is a bed Modi has made. He surely must now lie in it.

As for Putin, his state visit to India is tantamount to shoving a middle finger at his plethora of detractors in the West. From the minute he landed at the Palam Air Force Base, Putin basked in the glory of an undying friendship with India. Relentless attempts by the collective West to collapse his country’s economy have fallen flat, and efforts to isolate him internationally have gone the same way, as Modi has proven.

India, a regional and global power of note, has, in hosting Putin, notably poured scorn on the warrant of arrest issued by the controversial International Criminal Court (ICC). India’s act of defiance — electing to choose a figure widely detested in the West and thereby risking becoming part of the potential collateral damage — can be regarded as a turning point in the reconfiguration of the international governance system and international relations.

It sets the stage for the nations of the Majority World to hitherto assert their rights, pursue their national interest without fear and reclaim their seats at the world table where they have so many times been only on the menu of former colonial and imperial powers.

At a glance, and had international diplomacy been stable and predictable, Putin’s state visit to India would have simply passed as an act of allies strengthening bilateral ties. However, our reality in the current state of geopolitics points to a litany of ramifications likely to stem from Putin’s pomp and ceremony in India, feted by Modi, a man the West had regarded as a strong ally until recent times, notably since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Led by the Biden-era White House, the West — including the EU and NATO — has imposed an unprecedented barrage of economic sanctions against Moscow, sanctions that have proved ineffective since they were unleashed in 2022. The West has strenuously sought to isolate Russia internationally, persuading as well as surreptitiously coercing, in particular, the Global South nations to join in their questionable Russophobia.

However, led by China, the Majority World flatly rejected the Western stance against Russia, opting instead to exercise its own sovereign rights individually and collectively. As Europe upped the ante against Russia, drastically reducing purchasing of traditionally inexpensive gas and oil from neighbouring Russia, sanctions began to feel suicidal as they bit the hands that set them off.
Europe opted to turn to the US for oil and gas, purchased at astronomical sums of money and taking much longer to be delivered due to the distance marked by oceans between Europe and the US.

In the same streak of resetting and redirecting relations, the West sought to prevail on India — a perceived ally — to boycott Russian oil, gas and other goods too. The alarming challenges amid the rapidly changing global relations were marked, in my humble opinion, by India’s drastic increment in appetite to trade with Russia as the West looked elsewhere.

The more the West attempted to dissuade the Modi administration from cooperating with Russia since 2022, the more India’s appetite for Russian goods and services became insatiable. This week, Modi described Putin as “my friend”. Furthermore, writing on his X-account, Modi said relations between India and Russia are time-tested and bring great benefits to the peoples of both countries.
Quite clearly, therefore, Putin’s state visit has proven that relentless attempts to drive a wedge between Moscow and New Delhi have failed. Russian oil and gas keep flowing to India, trading in national currencies as part of BRICS de-dollarisation. In fact, more than 90% of mutual trade between Russia and India is carried out in national currencies.

The two countries have a large-scale plan for more cooperation in the future, including in technology, space, and nuclear energy, according to Putin’s remarks in India. Russia and India are key and founding members of the BRICS bloc, an anti-thesis of Western-led G7.

Putin’s trip to India was watched across the world. In Egypt, the trip was described as a “strategic move that could shake up the international chessboard”.

Since 2022, India has joined China as Russia’s biggest trading partner. As the Ukraine conflict dragged on, and the antagonism of the West toward Moscow multiplied, hawks across the West began to urge US President Donald Trump to target all nations that buy, especially Russian oil.
China was regarded as incorrigible. India, traditionally boasting cordial relations with the West, was regarded as a relatively soft target to be persuaded to walk away from trade with Russia. The Trump administration accused India of bankrolling Russian war machinery in Ukraine by buying Russian oil. This is the conundrum of the moment, the headache of the times in international relations.

The stance of India, and the apparently obstinate stance of New Delhi to retain warmer and warmer bilateral relations with a nation the West sought to turn into a pariah, has caused the EU and Washington not a headache, but a migraine.

India’s cosy ties with Russia reflect a spanner in the works for Western hegemony. At a population of about 1.46 billion, according to Statista, India is the world’s most populous nation. It is followed by its strategic ally, China, at 1.41 billion. Together, India and China account for a whopping 35% of the world’s population.

This is why this week’s Putin’s state visit to India matters significantly. It happens at a time when China stands on the verge of overtaking the US as the world’s biggest economy. To have India choosing Russia as a strategic ally over the US and the West is certainly a game-changer in global affairs. It causes a serious realignment of relations, as well as reassessment.
At the core of it all, India’s open ties with Russia affirms the Kremlin’s undying influence in international relations, particularly in the Majority World.

India
Source: www.mea.gov.in

A Time-Tested Progressive Partnership, Anchored in Trust & Mutual Respect

1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, the President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, paid a State visit to India on December 04-05, 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

2. The Leaders reaffirmed their support for further strengthening of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, established during the first State Visit of H.E. President Vladimir Putin to India in October 2000.

3. The Leaders emphasized the special nature of this long standing and time-tested relationship, which is characterised by mutual trust, respect for each other’s core national interests and strategic convergence. They underscored that, as major powers with shared responsibilities, this important relationship continues to be an anchor of global peace and stability that should be ensured upon the basis of equal and indivisible security.

4. The Leaders positively assessed the multi-faceted mutually beneficial India-Russia relations that span all areas of cooperation, including political and strategic, military and security, trade and investment, energy, science and technology, nuclear, space, cultural, education and humanitarian cooperation. It was noted with satisfaction that both Sides are actively exploring new avenues for cooperation while further strengthening cooperation in the traditional areas.

5. The Leaders underlined that India-Russia ties have remained resilient in the backdrop of the prevailing complex, challenging and uncertain geopolitical situation. Both Sides have strived to forge a contemporary, balanced, mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term partnership. Development of India-Russia relations across the entire spectrum is a shared foreign policy priority. The Leaders agreed to make all efforts to unlock the full potential of the strategic partnership.

6. The Leaders welcomed the opening of two Consulates General of India in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, and looked forward to their early operationalisation to further strengthen inter-regional cooperation, trade and economic relations and people to people ties.

7. The Leaders noted with satisfaction the continued intensification of contacts at all levels since the last Summit, including meetings between them on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan and the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin; holding of the 26th Session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) co-chaired by the External Affairs Minister of India and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and the 22nd Session of the IRIGC on Military & Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) co-chaired by the Defence Ministers of the two countries; visits of Lok Sabha Speaker, External Affairs Minister, Raksha Mantri, Minister of Railways, Information Technology, and Information & Broadcasting, Ministers of State of Home Affairs, Defence, Youth Affairs & Sports, Textiles and Vice Chairman NITI Aayog from the Indian side; visits of Russia’s Chairman of the State Duma, First Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy, Minister of Culture; and holding of strategic dialogue at the level of National Security Advisors, Foreign Office Consultations, consultations on UN issues, meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, etc.

Trade and Economic partnership

8. The Leaders reaffirmed their shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, including by increasing India’s exports to Russia, strengthening industrial cooperation, forging new technological and investment partnerships, especially in advanced high-technology areas and finding new avenues and forms of cooperation.

9. The Leaders welcomed the adoption of the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India - Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030 (Programme 2030).

10. The Leaders appreciated the ongoing intensification of the joint work on a Free Trade Agreement on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union covering sectors of mutual interest. They also directed both Sides to intensify efforts in negotiations on a mutually beneficial agreement on the promotion and protection of investments.

11. The Leaders welcomed the results of the 25th and 26th Sessions of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) and the India-Russia Business Forum held in New Delhi (November 2024) and Moscow (August 2025) respectively.

12. The Sides underline the importance of an open, inclusive, transparent and non-discriminatory multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organization at its core. Both Sides emphasised that addressing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, removing bottlenecks in logistics, promoting connectivity, ensuring smooth payment mechanisms, finding mutually acceptable solutions for issues of insurance and reinsurance and regular interaction between the businesses of the two countries are among the key elements for timely achievement of the revised bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.

13. Russia and India have agreed to continue jointly developing systems of bilateral settlements through use of the national currencies in order to ensure the uninterrupted maintenance of bilateral trade. Additionally, the Sides have agreed to continue their consultations on enabling the interoperability of the national payment systems, financial messaging systems, as well as central bank digital currency platforms.

14. The Sides welcomed steps to ensure long-term supply of fertilizers to India and discussed the potential establishment of joint ventures in this area

15. The Sides welcomed the signing of agreements related to mobility of skilled workers.

16. The Russian Side welcomed the participation of Indian delegations in the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (June 2025) and the Eastern Economic Forum (September 2025). The two Sides noted the contribution of the India-Russia Business Dialogue organised on the sidelines of these economic forums for promotion of bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation.

17. The Leaders noted the importance of productive and mutually beneficial bilateral trade in mineral resources, including energy sources, precious stones and metals, as well as critical raw materials for the reliability of the international supply chains. Efficient cooperation in this area, carried out by Russia and India as sovereign states, is a significant component of their national security and social wellbeing.

Energy partnership

18. The two Sides discussed and commended their wide ranging cooperation in the energy sector as a significant pillar of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The Sides noted the current and potential cooperation between Indian and Russian companies in fields such as oil and oil products, oil refining and petrochemical technologies, oilfield services and upstream technologies and related infrastructure, LNG and LPG related infrastructure, various existing projects in their countries, underground coal gasification (UCG) technology, nuclear projects, etc. They also noted the importance of expeditious resolution of issues related to investment projects in this area, and agreed to resolve the various concerns being faced by their investors in the energy sector.

Transport and Connectivity

19. The two Sides agreed to deepen cooperation in building stable and efficient transport corridors, with the focus on expanding logistics links for improving connectivity and enhancing infrastructure capacity to support the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chennai–Vladivostok (Eastern Maritime) Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route. They welcomed the signing of the MoU on the Training of Specialists for Ships Operating in Polar Waters.

20. The Sides noted the fruitful cooperation between the railways of Russia and India, aimed at establishing partnerships in the field of mutually beneficial technology exchange.

Cooperation in the Russian Far East and Arctic

21. The two Sides confirmed their readiness to intensify trade and investment cooperation in the Far East and the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The Program of India-Russia Cooperation in Trade, Economic and Investment Spheres in the Russian Far East for the period from 2024-2029 provides the necessary framework for further cooperation between India and the Russian Far East region, especially in the sectors of agriculture, energy, mining, manpower, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, maritime transport, etc.

22. Both Sides underscored the importance of holding regular bilateral consultations on Arctic related issues and welcomed the progress made in multi-faceted bilateral cooperation on the Northern Sea Route. The Russian Side appreciated the participation of the Indian delegation in the 6th International Arctic Forum held in Murmansk in March 2025. The Indian Side expressed its readiness to play an active role as an Observer in the Arctic Council.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation, Cooperation in Space

23. The Sides confirmed their intention to broaden cooperation in nuclear energy, including fuel cycle, life cycle support for operating Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) and non-power applications, as well as to elaborate new agenda of interaction in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy and related high technologies. The Sides noted the importance of the cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy as a significant component of the strategic partnership taking into account the plans of the Government of India to increase India’s nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

24. The Sides welcomed the progress achieved in implementation of KKNPP including the construction of the remaining NPP units and agreed on adhering to the timeline for supplies of equipment and fuel.

25. The Sides noted the importance of further discussion on the second site in India for NPP; the Indian Side will strive to finalize formal allotment of the second site in accordance with earlier signed agreements.

26. The Sides agreed to accelerate technical and commercial discussions on the VVER of the Russian design, research and joint development of NPPs, localization and joint manufacturing of nuclear equipment and fuel assemblies for Russian designed large capacity NPPs subject to terms and conditions as mutually agreeable.

27. Noting the importance of cooperation in Space, the two Sides welcomed the enhanced partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Russian State Space Corporation "Roscosmos” in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes, including in the human spaceflight programs, satellite navigation and planetary exploration. They noted the progress in mutually beneficial cooperation in rocket engine development, production and use.

Military and Military Technical Cooperation

28. Military and Military-Technical Cooperation has traditionally been a pillar of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which has grown from strength to strength through several decades of joint efforts and fruitful cooperation, steered by the IRIGC-M&MTC.

29. The Leaders welcomed the outcomes of the 22nd Session of the IRIGC- M&MTC held in New Delhi on December 4, 2025. Responding to India’s quest for self-reliance, the partnership is reorienting presently to joint research and development, co-development and co-production of advanced defence technology and systems.

30. The Leaders expressed satisfaction with regular military contacts, including the meeting of Defence Ministers in Qingdao in June 2025 on the sidelines of the SCO Member-States’ Defence Ministers’ Meeting. Both Sides appreciated the Joint Military Exercises INDRA of the Armed Forces and reaffirmed their commitment to maintain the momentum of joint military cooperation activities and expand military delegation exchanges.

31. Both Sides agreed to encourage joint manufacturing in India of spare parts, components, aggregates and other products for maintenance of Russian origin arms and defence equipment under Make-in-India program through transfer of technology and setting up of joint ventures for meeting the needs of the Indian Armed Forces as well as subsequent export to mutually friendly third countries.

Cooperation in Science & Technology

32. Both Sides called for ramping up government-to-government, academia and private sector collaboration to promote application of critical and emerging technologies.

33. Recognizing the strategic importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing, the two Sides expressed interest in deepening cooperation in exploration, processing and recycling technologies of critical minerals and rare earths.

34. Emphasizing the importance of joint research in science, technology and innovation, the two Sides called for strengthening cooperation under the "Roadmap for Science, Technology & Innovation Cooperation”. They agreed to facilitate collaboration between government and private sector to harness opportunities for start-ups and SMEs of the two countries to address societal challenges through innovative technologies, including joint R&D and co-development of technologies. They confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation in the sphere of digital technologies, including those related to information protection, security of critical infrastructure and law enforcement. Both Sides agreed to design and implement soft support programs for start-ups to enable knowledge exchange, capacity building, and greater engagement of innovators and entrepreneurs.

35. Taking into account the existing rich experience of interaction between India and Russia in the field of science and higher education, the Sides expressed mutual interest in developing partner ties between educational and scientific organizations, including the implementation of various forms of academic mobility, educational programmes, scientific and research projects and the holding of specialized international exhibitions, conferences, seminars. Emphasizing the importance of joint research in science, technology and innovations, the Sides confirmed their readiness to expand cooperation within the framework of the Roadmap for Indian-Russian Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovations.

Cultural cooperation, Tourism and people to people exchanges

36. The two Sides agreed that cultural interaction and people to people exchanges are an important component of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. They appreciated the participation in major international cultural forums, book fairs, festivals and art competitions organized in both countries and welcomed the holding on a parity basis, of Cultural Exchange Festivals in their countries, aimed at the fullest demonstration of Indian and Russian culture.

37. Both Sides supported the idea of expanding cooperation in the film industry, including development of joint film production and mutual participation in international film festivals held in India and Russia.

38. The two Sides appreciated the steady increase in tourist exchanges between Russia and India and welcomed simplification of visa formalities, including introduction of e-Visa by both countries. They agreed to continue the work on further simplification of the visa regime in future.

39. The two Sides noted with appreciation the enhanced exchanges and contacts between the experts, think-tanks and institutes of India and Russia. Over the years, this track of dialogue has promoted increased mutual understanding between Indian and Russian strategic and policy making circles and businesses so as to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership.

40. Recognizing the traditionally strong cooperation between India and Russia in the sphere of education, both Sides appreciated efforts to ensure well-being of students and agreed to continue their efforts in promoting educational linkages between universities and educational institutions.

Cooperation in the UN and multilateral fora

41. Both Sides noted the high level of political dialogue and cooperation between them on issues at the UN and agreed to deepen it further. They stressed the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism, with a central coordinating role played by the United Nations. They also underlined the primacy of respect for international law and emphasized their commitment to the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter.

42. Both Sides called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities and to make it more representative, effective and efficient in dealing with issues of international peace and security. Russia reiterated its steadfast support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.

43. The two Sides highlighted their cooperation within the G20 format and agreed to intensify it. They emphasized that the important practical legacy of India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 was the consolidation of the priorities of the countries of the Global South in the agenda of the main platform for international economic and financial cooperation, as well as the entry of the African Union into the ranks of full members of the forum. They welcomed the holding of the Voice of Global South virtual summits under the Indian presidency, which sent an important signal in favour of strengthening the position of developing countries in global affairs.

44. They emphasized that the G20 is the premier international economic forum that provides a platform for dialogue of both emerging and developed economies on an equal and mutually beneficial footing. They recognized the importance of the continued and productive functioning of the G20, based on consensus and focusing on its key mandate.

45. Both Sides stressed the importance of strengthening their BRICS partnership and further committed themselves to promote cooperation in the expanded BRICS under the three pillars of political and security, economic and financial, cultural and people-to-people cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus. Russia pledged its full support for India's upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026.

46. The Sides reiterated the importance of their joint work within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for further deepening Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between Russia and India.

47. India commended the Russian side for the successful hosting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Moscow on 17-18 November 2025 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. The Russian side appreciated India’s initiative to establish SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, the inaugural session of which will be held in India in 2026.

48. The Sides noted SCO’s increasing role in the formation of representative, democratic, fair multipolar world order, based on universally recognized principles of international law, and cultural and civilizational diversity.

49. Both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening SCO’s potential and cooperation in the fields of politics, security, economy, culture and humanitarian ties. In this context the two Sides stressed the necessity of promoting modernization of SCO, especially in the fields of countering terrorism, extremism, separatism, drug trafficking, cross-border organized crime, and information security threats. They will pay special attention to establishment of the Universal Center on Countering Security Challenges and Threats in Tashkent and Counter-Narcotics Center in Dushanbe.

50. The two Sides agreed to continue interaction within G20, BRICS and SCO on key issues such as efforts towards reformed multilateralism, reform of international economic governance institutions and Multilateral Development Banks, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs in its economic, social and environmental dimensions, stimulating economic growth, enhancing sustainability and developing resilience of international supply chains, including critical minerals, compliance with free and fair trade norms and climate change.

51. The two Sides intend to further strengthen cooperation within the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), including the issues of the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.

52. Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening global efforts for non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Russia expressed its strong support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The two Sides urged all members of the international community to work towards enhancing the level of mutual trust in order to promote global peace and security. The Sides emphasized the non-proliferation nature of export controls and their intention to continue cooperation in this area with the aim of ensuring balance between security and commercial consideration, as well as peaceful uses of technology.

53. The Sides underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation within various regional fora, aimed at deepening regional peace and security, including the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus.

54. The Parties the need for strict compliance with and consistent strengthening of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC), including through its institutionalization, as well as the adoption of a legally binding protocol with an effective verification mechanism. They oppose the establishment of any mechanisms that duplicate functions of the BTWC.

55. The Sides the urgent need to start negotiations on a legally binding instrument on prevention of an arms race in outer space with the prohibition of the placement of weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force in outer space, from outer space or against outer space. The Sides note that the basis for such a document could be the draft of the Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and of the Threat or Use of Force Against Outer Space Objects as well as the report of the relevant Group of Governmental Experts, adopted in 2024.

56. The leaders, reaffirming their commitment to the principles reflected in international treaties that ensure the conservation of biological diversity and the protection of rare and endangered species, especially migratory bird species, that uniting our countries.

57. Both Sides welcomed the adoption of the Framework Agreement by the Russian side to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The Indian Side looked forward to Russia’s early joining of the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

58. The Sides agreed to continue the development of joint approaches to addressing global economic challenges, mobilising increased access to climate finance and technologies for developing countries and economies in transition, and ensuring a reasonable reform of international institutions of economic governance, in particular multilateral development banks.

Counter Terrorism

59. Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of combating such common challenges and threats such as terrorism, extremism transnational organized crime, money laundering, terrorist financing and illicit drug trafficking.

60. The two Leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to preventing and countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border movement of terrorists and terrorist financing networks and safe havens. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in India in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, and in Russia at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024. They unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation by any religious or ideological pretexts, whenever, wherever, and by whomsoever they may be committed. They also called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities, including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh and their affiliates, aimed at rooting out terrorists’ safe havens, countering the spread of terrorist ideology, eliminating terrorist financing channels and their nexus with transnational crime, and halting cross-border movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters.

61. The Sides called for an uncompromising fight against international terrorism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations, noting the importance of increasing cooperation in this area, without hidden agendas and double standards on the solid basis of international law and the UN Charter. Besides, they stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, as well as the balanced implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

62. Both Sides emphasized the primary responsibility of States and their competent authorities in combating terrorism. They called for a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework, as well as implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

63. The two Sides recalled the Special Meeting of the UNSC Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) held in India in October 2022 under India’s Chairship of the CTC and welcomed the unanimously adopted Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. They noted that the declaration aims to cover the main concerns surrounding the terrorist exploitation of Information and Communications Technology, such as payment technologies, social media platforms and fundraising methods and misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). Both Sides also expressed their readiness to develop further cooperation in this field with a special focus on preventing radicalization and the spread of extremist ideology in the online space. In this regard, they noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of strengthening relevant mechanisms within the SCO and BRICS formats.

Regional and International Issues

64. Both Sides noted with appreciation the close coordination between India and Russia on Afghanistan, including through the dialogue mechanism between the Security Councils of both countries. They emphasized the important role of the Moscow Format meetings.

65. The Leaders welcomed the counter-terrorism measures against international terrorist groups, including ISIS and ISKP and their affiliates, and expressed confidence that the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan would be comprehensive and effective. They stressed the need to ensure urgent and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.

66. Both Sides reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East/ West Asia, calling for restraint, protection of civilians and compliance with international law, and the need to refrain from taking actions that could further escalate the situation and compromise regional stability. They stressed the importance of resolving the Iran nuclear issue through dialogue. They expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and strongly stressed the importance for all parties concerned to remain committed to agreements and understandings reached between them for cessation of conflict, humanitarian assistance and a sustainable peace.

67. The Sides noted the importance of expanding efforts to combat climate change and achieving the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The Sides welcomed the 1st meeting of the Joint Russia-India Working Group on the issues of climate change and low-carbon development held on September 10, 2025 in New Delhi within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on the issues of climate change and low-carbon development. The Sides agreed to intensify the bilateral dialogue on implementing mechanisms of the Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, developing low-carbon technologies and using sustainable finance instruments.

68. The Sides agreed to continue interaction within G20, BRICS, SCO on the key issues of climate change. The Sides welcomed the results achieved by a coordinated work within the BRICS Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development; including the launch of the BRICS Climate Research Platform and the BRICS Laboratory for Trade, Climate and Sustainable Development. Both sides encouraged fruitful cooperation in the area of addressing climate change in BRICS during the India Chairship in grouping in 2026.

69. The Sides noted with satisfaction the resilience of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and the convergent and complementary approaches of their foreign policy priorities, and reaffirmed their commitment for further strengthening it. They stressed that India and Russia as major powers will continue to strive for global peace and stability in a multipolar world as well as in a multipolar Asia.

70. H.E. President Vladimir Putin thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation in New Delhi and invited him to visit Russia in 2026 for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit.

New Delhi
December 05, 2025

Russia
Source: mid.ru

Colleagues,

Friends,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Counter-Terrorism Conference in the BRICS+ format, and it is a great honour for us to host representatives from friendly countries in Moscow which, these days, has effectively become the capital of an international dialogue on combatting terrorism.

I will take the liberty of calling today’s forum a landmark event. First, this year marks the fifth anniversary of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy which was adopted at Russia’s initiative in 2020 following a well-coordinated and painstaking collaboration with Brazil, China, India, and South Africa. At the institutional level, the document established an all-encompassing approach to countering terrorism and outlined the main avenues of cooperation aimed at improving our countries’ protection against terrorism.

Later, in 2021, an action plan for implementing the strategy was agreed upon by the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG). It specified steps for continued efforts to expand cooperation across a wide range of pressing counter-terrorism issues and to improve its quality.

The CTWG position paper which was approved at the 2024 meeting in Moscow helped new BRICS participants smoothly integrate into the efforts pursued by this group of countries.

Without a doubt, these documents laid a solid foundation for effective counter-terrorism cooperation within BRICS, which we must jointly and consistently advance considering the rapid development of innovative technology, the unstable international geopolitical situation, and attempts by external destructive forces to use terrorism as a lever to exert political and other kinds of influence. As we know from the past, this emboldens terrorists and extremists.

BRICS partners are participating in this conference, which significantly expands the geography and scope of cooperation, strengthens the collective potential, and increases our ability to contain extremist and terrorist threats at the international level. Greater BRICS thus proves its sizable contribution to promoting global efforts to maintain international peace, stability, and security.
Regrettably, threats from international terrorist organisations (ITOs), primarily ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and affiliated terrorist groups, have not only intensified but continue to evolve which we can clearly see from regular reports compiled by the UNSC Sanctions Monitoring Group on ISIS and Al-Qaeda, as well as on the Taliban Movement, the members of which are taking part in our forum.

The international community is seriously concerned about terrorism in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the Sahel. The situation must be thoroughly monitored in order to timely suppress emerging challenges to our shared counter-terrorism efforts.

ITOs are widely adopting the latest advances in science and technology, developing innovative methods to pursue destructive activities, and making extensive use of AI and cryptocurrencies to promote extremist ideology, raise funds, and expand the criminal ecosystem.

It should be noted that amid the growing terrorist threats around the world, the collective West is not genuinely interested in consolidating the counter-terrorism efforts of the international community.
On the contrary, Western countries condone the politicisation of the counter-terrorism agenda and use double standards; they do not regard terrorism as the absolute evil and do not practice zero tolerance policy. For them, it is a tool for pursuing neo-colonial policies, exerting pressure on sovereign states, and ensuring dominance which often comes hand in hand with them imposing their military presence in order to keep hotspots of regional instability smoldering. For us, the Western practice of leveraging terrorist organisations for pursuing self-serving geopolitical purposes across the world is unacceptable.

The use of terrorists and extremists to achieve Western geopolitical objectives is widely practiced in Ukraine, where Western-nurtured neo-Nazis carry out terrorist attacks against infrastructure and civilians in Russia using weapons supplied by Western countries.

The criminal Kiev regime not only employs overtly terrorist methods but closely cooperates with international terrorist groups and transnational criminal networks to train their militants to fight against legitimate governments, especially in Africa.

Colleagues,

The commitment to rebuff terrorism underscores the importance of our joint work within multilateral organisations, primarily, the UN and other platforms. This is particularly important today when a just multipolar world order is taking shape and the global balance of power is, without a doubt, shifting in favour of the world majority, to wit, the Global South and the Global East.

Importantly, Russia consistently advocates an honest, depoliticised, and results-oriented fight against terrorism without hidden agendas or double standards. We are open to close cooperation with all BRICS+ countries based on the principles of the UN Charter, above all the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs.

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) is a unique global instrument to coordinate the efforts of the international community in countering the global terrorist threat. Next time, the strategy will be reviewed in the first half of 2026. We look forward to constructive cooperation with all interested partners in the upcoming efforts to update the shared strategic and operational approaches embedded in the GCTS that are aimed at strengthening national, regional, and international efforts to eradicate this scourge.

International cooperation based on mutual respect and dialogue is the way forward if we want to achieve a sustainable reduction in the terrorist threat levels and to strengthen international security.
I am confident that your discussions over the next two days will be productive, and their results will contribute to enhancing the counter-terrorism potential of the BRICS+ countries and give another boost to deepening cooperation for the benefit of the peoples from BRICS+ countries.
I wish you success.

Once again, welcome to Moscow.

Thank you.

Russia
Source: mid.ru

On December 3 and 4, 2025, Moscow served as the venue for the 2025 BRICS+ Counter-Terrorism Conference. Held under the Foreign Ministry’s auspices, it took place under the title National and Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategies Amid Emerging Security Challenges and Threats.

This forum brought together over one hundred representatives of specialised agencies, academia and the civil society from BRICS+ and partner countries, as well as counter-terrorist units within international organisations, including the United Nations, the CIS, the CSTO and the SCO.

The opening session included remarks by Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Yury Kokov, Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky, senior official from Russia’s Federal Security Service, as well as Deputy Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Eihab Omaish, Deputy Secretary-General of the CSTO Valery Semerikov, and Head of the CIS Counter-Terrorist Centre Yevgeny Sysoyev.
In their remarks, speakers emphasised the need for the competent government agencies and civil society institutions to consolidate their efforts in countering international terrorism and ensuring stability around the world.

During the two days of the conference, participants discussed the latest developments in countering terrorism and extremism with the agenda focusing on the objective of ensuring the complete eradication of international terrorist organisations, including ISIS, preventing the use of extremist and terrorist groups in hybrid warfare and when interfering in the domestic affairs of sovereign states, as well as radicalisation as a pathway to terrorism and extremism and a key tool for causing social and political upheavals within countries.

Delegates stressed the importance of taking measures to prevent the spread of fascist and neo-Nazi ideas, including those aimed at revising and falsifying history. In addition to this, they affirmed that relying on terrorist organisations in the pursuit of political and economic agendas was unacceptable.
This international forum facilitated a fruitful exchange of opinions and helped its participants align their positions, while also offering fertile ground for articulating forward-looking theoretical and methodological approaches to countering terrorist and extremist activity.

The Russian Federation would like to thank all the representatives from BRICS and partner countries, as well as international organisations who took an active part in this conference and reaffirmed their readiness to work closely together on a wide range of matters dealing with the counter-terrorist agenda.