Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in a meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers via videoconference on July 20.

"A thorough exchange of views took place on the development and strengthening of the strategic partnership of the five states," read a statement issued by the Russian Embassy in India.

During the meeting, discussion was also held on the plans for the institutional development of the association.

" Topical issues pertained to preparation for the upcoming XV BRICS summit in Johannesburg on August 22-24 were discussed as well," read the statement.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also participated in the event and tweeted: " A useful conversation for taking the BRICS agenda forward. And preparing for the summit meeting."

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa formed by the 2010 addition of South Africa to the predecessor BRIC.