"Valuable forum for international cooperation," EAM Jaishankar on completion of 20 years of BRICS
New Delhi, February 11
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar interacted with BRICS 2026 Sherpas and Country Representatives as the group marked its 20th anniversary.
Jaishankar stated that the BRICS is a valuable forum for international cooperation.
In a post on X, EAM said, "A pleasure interacting with BRICS 2026 Sherpas and Country Representatives. As BRICS completes 20 years, it stands as a valuable forum for international cooperation, consultation and coordination, taking forward its people-centric agenda. Value the suggestions and perspectives brought in by different delegations to advance BRICS 2026 priorities of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability."
The first BRICS Sherpa/Sous-Sherpa Meeting commenced in New Delhi, according to a statement by the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal.
MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) and India's BRICS Sherpa Sudhakar Dalela highlighted key priorities of India's Chairship based on the PM's vision for "people-centric" and "humanity-first" approach for the BRICS, and overall theme of 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlined the growing importance of the BRICS forum in global affairs as well as the bloc's future direction and the priorities expected of the grouping under India's Chairmanship for 2026.
In an interview with TV BRICS, the Russian Foreign Minister noted that assessing the outcomes of Russia's foreign policy is ultimately the responsibility of the country's leadership, particularly the Russian President, who determines strategic priorities under the Constitution.
The current Foreign Policy Concept, adopted in March 2023, reflects deep and lasting global shifts that continue to shape Russia's diplomatic and economic engagement, as reported by TV BRICS.
He explained that Russia works closely with partner nations through concrete agreements reached at the highest political levels. These include expanding trade and investment, strengthening scientific cooperation, and coordinating positions in international institutions such as the United Nations. Special focus is placed on regional frameworks, including the CIS, the Eurasian Economic Union, the CSTO, and the broader post-Soviet region.
Such long-term, systematic collaboration is designed to ensure practical and shared benefits, TV BRICS reported.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Happy 20 years to BRICS! It's impressive how this forum has grown. Hope the focus on 'resilience and innovation' translates into real benefits for common people, like better trade deals and tech sharing. The priorities sound good on paper, let's see the action.
While the cooperation is valuable, we must be careful. The group includes countries with very different strategic interests, especially given the Russia-Ukraine situation. India's diplomacy is being tested here. We need to ensure our national interests are always paramount.
As an expat in India, it's fascinating to watch this. BRICS represents a significant shift in global power dynamics. India's chairmanship in 2026 could be a defining moment for the bloc's future direction. The theme of sustainability is key for the whole world.
Good to see India taking a leadership role. The 'humanity-first' approach mentioned by our Sherpa is the need of the hour. Hope this translates into concrete plans for climate action and food security that benefit all member nations and beyond. 🤝
Twenty years is a milestone. But honestly, beyond summits and statements, what tangible economic gains has the average Indian citizen seen from BRICS? I appreciate the forum, but we need more visible outcomes in trade, investment, and job creation.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.