Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned a journalist during a BRICS summit press briefing in New Delhi [1].
The incident highlights the tense atmosphere surrounding the diplomatic summit and the high-pressure environment facing international press corps. It underscores the volatility of diplomatic interactions when protocol is breached during high-level summits.
Lavrov reacted after a journalist repeatedly interrupted him during the briefing [1]. Reports indicate the journalist was allegedly speaking on the phone while Lavrov was addressing the room [1].
In response to the disruptions, Lavrov said, “They will take out gun” [1]. The remark followed a series of interruptions that prompted the foreign minister to lose his composure in front of the gathered media [2].
The briefing was part of the broader BRICS summit proceedings held in India [3]. While the specific identity of the journalist was not disclosed in the immediate reports, the exchange was captured on video and widely circulated [1].
Lavrov is known for his direct and sometimes blunt communication style during international forums. This encounter in New Delhi is the latest example of such friction between the Russian diplomat and the press [2].
““They will take out gun””
This interaction reflects the strained relationship between Russian diplomatic officials and the international media. By using aggressive language to address a breach of etiquette, Lavrov signals a low tolerance for disruptions during the BRICS summit, potentially mirroring broader geopolitical tensions where diplomatic decorum is increasingly secondary to displays of power and frustration.
