Today: 1 June 2025
2 March 2023
1 min read

Blinken, Lavrov meet briefly in New Delhi

Both the leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers meeting.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov briefly during which he is learnt to have “pressurised” the Russian minister on Ukraine, according to reports.

Both the leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers meeting. This was the first highest level one-on-one contact between the two nations since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out a year ago.

South Africa Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor with Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at the first session of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in New Delhi on Thursday. Russian Foregn Minister Sergey lavrov can also be seen on the extreme left. (ANI Photo)

Incidentally, the meeting took place a day after Blinken had said that he had no plans to either meet his Chinese or Russian counterparts, reports said.

Reports further said that Blinken is learnt to have put across the message that Russia should engage with Ukraine and adhere to its demands.

The US has expressed optimism that Russia will reverse its decision on Ukraine and engage with it diplomatically, which would lead towards peace.

However, reports quoting sources said that the brief encounter between Blinken and Lavrov may not exactly change the situation in the near future.

Meanwhile, Russian spokesperson Maria Zarkhova, while referring to the meeting between the two leaders, said: “US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked for ‘contact’ with foreign minister Lavrov, during the second session of G20 meet. They had ‘contact’, there were no talks or a full-fledged meeting.”

ALSO READ: G20 FMs fail to reach consensus over Ukraine, No joint communique

Previous Story

G20 FMs’ fail to reach consensus over Ukraine, No joint communique

Next Story

Blinken tells Lavrov to ‘end this war’

Latest from -Top News

UAE aid for Gaza in global focus

Titled Hope Remains, the documentary brings to light the UAE’s leading role in providing vital aid and support to the people of Gaza. The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a

Syria, Israel begin quiet talks

The announcement came just hours after Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out new airstrikes in Syria’s coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, hitting a range of military targets. Syria has confirmed the commencement

Gaza truce deal hits new snag

US says Hamas’ reply to the ceasefire plan was “totally unacceptable” and accused the Palestinian group of dragging the negotiations backward. The latest attempt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza has hit

IAEA flags Iran enrichment spike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in two separate but related reports, said Iran has boosted its uranium stockpile enriched up to 60% purity by nearly 50% since February. Iran has vehemently

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Blinken ‘hopeful’ on Gaza ceasefire

Yet Blinken expressed his anticipation for Hamas leaders in Gaza

INTERVIEW: Prof. Stefano Zamagni

In an extensive interview with Asian Lite’s Abhish K. Bose,