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MEA Secy Neena Malhotra Holds Talks with China, Russia, Iran Envoys on Middle East

MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra held talks with China's Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun, on the sidelines of BRICS MENA Consultations. She also met Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Borisenko Georgy and Iran's Special Envoy Mahdi Shoushtari. The discussions focused on recent developments in the MENA region and bilateral cooperation. Additionally, the BRICS Academic Forum was convened by ORF and RIS in New Delhi during India's BRICS Chairship.

Key Points: India-China Talks on Middle East at BRICS Meet

  • Neena Malhotra holds talks with China's Zhai Jun on Middle East
  • Malhotra meets Russia's Borisenko Georgy for bilateral cooperation
  • Malhotra discusses regional situation with Iran's Mahdi Shoushtari
  • BRICS Academic Forum convened by ORF and RIS in New Delhi
  • India assumed BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026
2 min read

MEA Secy (South) holds talks with Chinese Special Envoy on recent developments in Middle East

MEA Secy Neena Malhotra meets China's Zhai Jun, Russia's Borisenko Georgy, Iran's Mahdi Shoushtari on sidelines of BRICS MENA Consultations.

"Both sides held a constructive exchange on recent developments in the MENA region - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

New Delhi, April 24

Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, Neena Malhotra, held talks with China's Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun on the sidelines of BRICS MENA Consultations.

Malhotra and Zhai talked about recent developments in the MENA region.

In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "On the margins of the ongoing BRICS MENA Consultations, China's Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue, Mr. Zhai Jun met Secretary (South) Dr. Neena Malhotra. Both sides held a constructive exchange on recent developments in the MENA region and also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two sides."

Malhotra also met Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Borisenko Georgy and discussed bilateral aspects of cooperation.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Secretary (South), Dr. Neena Malhotra met Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Borisenko Georgy, on the sidelines of ongoing BRICS MENA Consultations. They had a productive exchange of views on the recent developments in the MENA region. Both sides also discussed some bilateral aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries."

Malhotra also held talks with Iran's Special Envoy for Middle East, Mahdi Shoushtari on the regional situation.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "On the sidelines of ongoing BRICS MENA Consultations, Secretary (South), Dr. Neena Malhotra had a meeting with Iran's Special Envoy for Middle East, Mr. Mahdi Shoushtari. They exchanged perspectives on the regional situation. Both sides also touched base on the bilateral aspects between the two countries."

Meanwhile, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in partnership with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), hosted the inaugural convening of the BRICS Academic Forum on April 17 and April 18 in the national capital.

India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026, under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", with the Academic Forum forming a key component of its broader engagement process during the Presidency year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While diplomatic talks are fine, I hope we're also focusing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We can't just talk about geopolitics, civilians are suffering there.
V
Vikram M
Interesting how India is balancing relations with both Russia and Western allies. The middle path diplomacy is our strength. Dr. Neena Malhotra is doing great work representing our interests 🇮🇳
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Ananya R
BRICS Academic Forum sounds promising! Research institutions collaborating on global challenges is exactly what we need. ORF and RIS are doing some quality work as usual 💡
R
Rohit P
Honestly, these diplomatic meetings are routine. The real test will be whether India can leverage these talks for our energy security and trade interests. Middle East instability affects oil prices directly, and we need concrete outcomes, not just photo-ops.
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Siddharth J
Great to see India taking the lead on BRICS this year with a theme focused on resilience and sustainability. The "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" line is very apt for today's world challenges. Kudos to MEA team! 👏
K
Kavya N
I appreciate our neutral stance, but in the current Middle East crisis, India should push for a clear two-state solution for Palestine. Our historical support for Palestinian cause should not be diluted for short-term gains. Just my two pa

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