"BRICS will play constructive, stabilising role": EAM amid global flux, ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties
New Delhi, May 14
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday stated that the BRICS grouping is expected to play a "constructive, stabilising role" in a world that is currently experiencing "considerable flux in international relations" with multiple overlapping challenges, including economic uncertainties, and disruptions in trade, technology, and climate governance among other issues shaping global developments.
Delivering his welcome remarks at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the national capital, Jaishankar said that ongoing conflicts and structural uncertainties are reshaping the global landscape, creating both challenges and expectations for emerging economies.
On peace and security, he said ongoing conflicts underline the need for a stronger emphasis on diplomacy and dialogue, while also highlighting shared concerns over terrorism.
"Peace and security issues remain central to the global order. Recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. There is also a deeply shared interest in strengthening cooperation against terrorism."
"We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations. Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape. There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role," Jaishankar said.
"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 added.
Jaishankar emphasised that development challenges continue to remain central to the concerns of many countries, particularly in areas such as energy security, food security, fertiliser availability, health systems, and access to finance.
He further highlighted the importance of economic resilience, noting that stability in supply chains and diversification of markets are key priorities for sustaining global growth.
"Development issues remain central. Many countries continue to face challenges on energy, food, fertiliser and health security, as well as access to finances. BRICS can help them respond more effectively. Economic resilience is also key. Reliable supply chains and diversified markets are its essential components. We must focus on both," Jaishankar said.
On climate change, the External Affairs Minister said it remains a pressing global concern and stressed that discussions must promote sustainable development while adhering to the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.
"Climate change remains a pressing concern. Our discussions must advance sustainable development while upholding the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities," he said.
Jaishankar also pointed to rapid technological changes reshaping global governance and economic structures, noting that such advancements must be harnessed for inclusive growth and effective governance.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting comes amid broader consultations aimed at enhancing coordination among member states on global economic governance, development priorities, and geopolitical challenges. The meeting will take place from May 14 to May 15.
India officially assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on January 1 this year, taking over from Brazil. This marks the fourth time India has held the presidency of the influential bloc, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate the focus on equity and "common but differentiated responsibilities" for climate change. Western nations have been polluting for centuries, and now they tell us to sacrifice growth. BRICS can bring balance. But we also need concrete action, not just meetings and statements.
Great initiative by EAM Jaishankar, but the success of BRICS will depend on how well it coordinates with other regional bodies like SCO and ASEAN. Also, we must not let internal differences among members overshadow the common goals. Unity is key in these uncertain times.
Interesting to see BRICS evolving from an economic grouping to a geopolitical stabiliser. The emphasis on counter-terrorism is crucial—every nation faces this threat, including India and the US. While the West is important, a multipolar world with stronger South-South cooperation is inevitable.
Proud that India is chairing BRICS again. But honestly, we need to walk the talk on food and fertiliser security. Many small farmers in places like Africa still struggle. BRICS should create a dedicated fund for agri-tech transfer and climate-resilient crops. Hope this meeting leads to action!
Stabilising role? Let's see. BRICS includes nations with very different political systems and priorities (e.g., China vs India on border issues). It's good to talk, but without resolving internal frictions, "constructive" could remain aspirational. Still, any platform for diplomacy is better than none.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.