New Delhi, May 15 -- In a direct challenge to Western economic influence, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday signalled a deepening of the "privileged strategic partnership" with India, focusing on insulating bilateral trade from the "unfriendly pressure" of third-country sanctions and tariffs.

Speaking at a press conference in India after the BRICS meeting, Lavrov highlighted talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing them as part of a broader effort to deepen the partnership between the two countries.

"During the talks with the Foreign Minister of India, His Excellency S Jaishankar, and during a lengthy reception and conversation with the Prime Minist...