Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], July 7 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with his counterparts from Iran and Mexico on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (local time).

Jaishankar met Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramon de la Fuente. The two leaders discussed further advancement of the partnership, focusing on health, digital, technology and space.

In a statement shared on X, Jaishankar stated, 'Pleased to meet Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, in Rio de Janeiro today. Discussed further advancement of our partnership focusing on health, digital, technology and space.'

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1941990642541883698

Jaishankar met with Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in Rio de Janeiro and held talks focused on recent regional developments.

'Glad to meet FM @araghchi of Iran this evening. Our conversation focused on recent regional developments,' Jaishankar posted on X.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1941991484124782651

Earlier, Jaishankar also held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit on Sunday and discussed bilateral cooperation, West Asia, the BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, 'Good to meet with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #BRICS2025. Discussed bilateral cooperation, West Asia, BRICS and SCO.'

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also shared a picture of Jaishankar and Lavrov, stating that the two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

'Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar hold a meeting on the sidelines of the XVII #BRICS Summit. Rio de Janeiro, July 6,' Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X.

The 17th BRICS summit held under Brazil's Chairmanship brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia.

During the BRICS Summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that condemning terrorism must be a 'principle' rather than a matter of 'convenience', describing it as the 'most serious challenge' for humanity in the current global scenario.

Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, PM Modi highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity.

He stated that the attack was a blow to the 'soul, identity, and dignity' of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity.'Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today.

'Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences,' the PM stated.

'Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity,' he added. (ANI)