India-China Climate Talks Under BRICS; Russia Confirms Lavrov FM Visit for May

Two significant BRICS diplomatic developments occurred on April 29. First, India's MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George met with China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Liu Zhenmin in New Delhi, discussing global climate action under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement framework. India reaffirmed its 'constructive and proactive role' in advancing climate multilateralism, with the BRICS 2026 chairmanship providing a platform for India-China climate coordination ahead of COP31. Second, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit New Delhi on May 14–15 to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting under India's 2026 chairmanship. Lavrov will hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on bilateral relations, preparation for the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission, and issues of mutual interest. The FM meeting is intended to set the agenda and draft final documents for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12–13, 2026 in New Delhi — the first summit under India's presidency.