S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New Delhi on Wednesday ahead of the two-day BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India.

The meeting focused on strengthening India-Russia cooperation in areas including energy and trade, while the two leaders also exchanged views on major global developments.

Lavrov arrived in the national capital to participate in the BRICS foreign ministers’ conclave beginning Thursday. Ministers and delegates from several BRICS member countries, including Brazil and South Africa, are attending the discussions chaired by India.

In a social media post after the meeting, Jaishankar described the interaction as a “productive exchange of views” with his Russian counterpart. Reports said the talks also covered the ongoing West Asia tensions and the Ukraine conflict.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the discussions were expected to review progress on bilateral agreements and preparations for upcoming high-level engagements between the two countries.

The BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi is likely to focus on regional security, global governance reforms, energy security and economic cooperation among member nations. The ongoing conflict in West Asia is also expected to feature prominently during the deliberations.

Unseasonal rain, thunderstorms and lightning strikes claimed at least 33 lives across Uttar Pradesh, prompting the state government to launch relief operations in affected districts.

According to officials, the highest number of deaths was reported from Bhadohi district, where 16 people lost their lives. Fatehpur recorded nine deaths, while Budaun reported five fatalities. Two people died in Chandauli district and one death was reported from Sonbhadra.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed district administrations to ensure immediate assistance for affected families. He instructed officials to complete compensation and relief distribution within 24 hours.

The chief minister also asked authorities to closely monitor areas affected by heavy rain and thunderstorms and provide all necessary support to residents facing damage due to adverse weather conditions.

Several parts of northern India have witnessed sudden weather changes in recent days, with strong winds, lightning and rain disrupting normal life in many regions.

Prateek Yadav, son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and half-brother of Akhilesh Yadav, died due to cardiorespiratory collapse caused by a massive pulmonary thromboembolism, according to post-mortem findings reported in Lucknow.

The post-mortem examination also found six antemortem injuries on his body. The injuries were reported on the chest, under the right arm, right forearm, right elbow joint, over the elbow and left wrist. Doctors noted that three of the injuries were around five to seven days old, while the remaining injuries were about a day old.

Medical experts stated that pulmonary thromboembolism is a serious condition in which blood clots block arteries in the lungs, affecting breathing and blood circulation.

The autopsy report further mentioned that samples related to the heart and lungs have been preserved for histopathological examination, while viscera samples were sent for chemical analysis to determine additional medical details.

Earlier reports citing sources had stated that no foul play was detected in the initial post-mortem findings. Prateek Yadav had reportedly been suffering from liver and lung-related complications and had been admitted to a hospital in Lucknow several times in the past.

Prateek Yadav died at the age of 38 in Lucknow after his health deteriorated suddenly at his residence. Political leaders and family members later paid tribute following the news of his death.