India on Thursday called on BRICS nations to find ‘practical ways’ to navigate the fallout of global conflicts, economic volatility, and trade disruptions, while also advancing institutional reforms to accommodate the bloc’s expanding membership.
Opening the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, S Jaishankar said the grouping was expected to play a “constructive and stabilising role” at a time of growing uncertainty in international relations.
“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said in his televised opening remarks.
“Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape.”
Emerging economies look to BRICS for stability
Jaishankar said developing nations and emerging markets increasingly viewed BRICS as a platform capable of offering stability and practical solutions to global challenges.
Iran’s FM Abbas Araqchi attends the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
“In this background, our discussions today are an opportunity to reflect on global and regional developments and to consider practical ways to strengthen our cooperation,” he said.
The meeting was attended by foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, Brazil and other member states and partner countries.
India advances institutional reforms as BRICS chair
As current chair of the grouping, India has been engaging with partner countries to build a more inclusive and collaborative framework, Jaishankar said.
He noted that discussions on BRICS’ institutional development had progressed, including a review and update of existing mechanisms to more effectively integrate new members.
S. Jaishankar (right) with Sergey Lavrov during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi
“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he said.
According to Jaishankar, India’s chairmanship has already overseen more than 80 BRICS meetings involving all member states.
Development challenges remain central
The external affairs minister said many countries continued to face pressing challenges related to energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance.
“BRICS can help them respond more effectively,” he said.
He added that economic resilience would depend on reliable supply chains and diversified markets.
Climate, Technology, and global governance
Jaishankar said climate change remained a pressing concern and stressed that sustainable development efforts must be guided by the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
He also highlighted the rapid pace of technological change, saying advances in technology should be harnessed to promote inclusive growth and more effective governance.
Diplomacy and counterterrorism in focus
On peace and security, Jaishankar said recent conflicts underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
“Peace and security issues remain central to the global order,” he said.
“There is also a deeply shared interest in strengthening cooperation against terrorism.”
India holds BRICS presidency for 4th time
The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, being held from May 14 to 15, is part of broader consultations on global economic governance, development priorities, and geopolitical challenges.
India assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, succeeding Brazil. It is the fourth time India has led the bloc, having previously hosted BRICS summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
