RIGA, LATVIA — India has reiterated its staunch support for Latvia’s successful candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term, affirming the commitment during the 9th India-Latvia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in the Baltic nation’s capital.
During the high-level diplomatic meeting, India also formally appreciated Latvia for its categorical condemnation of all forms of terrorism, underscoring the convergence of strategic interests between the two nations.
External Affairs Secretary (West), Sibi George, led the Indian delegation, while the Latvian side was headed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andžejs Viļumsons.
The consultations provided a comprehensive platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Both sides expressed mutual satisfaction with the pace of engagement and agreed on a roadmap to broaden cooperation across several critical sectors:
Trade and Investment: Focusing on enhanced commercial ties.
Technology and Innovation: Exploring opportunities for joint ventures and knowledge exchange.
People-to-People Ties: Working to strengthen cultural and educational linkages.
The discussions also featured a broad exchange of views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reflecting the growing strategic dialogue between India and the European Union member state.
In a further sign of strengthening political ties, Secretary (West) George also held a courtesy meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže during his visit to Riga.
To maintain the momentum of official exchanges, both parties agreed that the next round of the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) will be hosted by India in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time next year. This rotational arrangement underscores the commitment to regular, structured engagement in the coming years.
Latvia was elected to the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term in June 2025, receiving strong backing from the UN General Assembly. India’s immediate support during the FOC reinforces the growing partnership and shared multilateral goals between the two countries.