As the BRICS group completed 20 years, India hosted a foreign ministers’ meet in New Delhi this week. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pushed for reforms in global institutions and a stronger voice for developing countries. But even as BRICS members spoke about cooperation and a fairer world order, the group failed to issue a joint statement because of different positions on the West Asia conflict.
Speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Jaishankar said many global institutions no longer match current realities. He said the world has become more “multipolar” and interconnected, but institutions like the United Nations Security Council still reflect the power structure of an earlier era.
India repeated its long-standing demand for reforms in the UN system, especially the expansion of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Jaishankar said Asia, Africa, and Latin America deserve better representation if global institutions want to remain credible and effective.
Push for ‘Reformed Multilateralism’
India’s message at the BRICS meeting focused on what Jaishankar called “reformed multilateralism,” a system where emerging economies and developing countries get a bigger role in global decision-making.
Jaishankar said reforms were urgently needed because global systems are facing problems such as weak supply chains, food and energy insecurity, and unequal access to resources and finance. He also called for changes in international financial institutions and multilateral development banks so that developing countries can get easier access to development and climate finance.
On trade, India warned against unfair trade practices and overdependence on limited supply chains. Jaishankar said the world still needs a rules-based and open trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its centre, but one that also addresses the concerns of developing countries.
India also tried to present BRICS as more than just a discussion forum. Jaishankar pointed to institutions like the New Development Bank as examples of how BRICS countries are building alternatives to Western-led global institutions.
He said BRICS should now focus more on delivering practical results in areas such as digital connectivity, startups, climate action, clean energy, and supply chain resilience.
India, which hosted the meeting, said members shared “different perspectives” on issues related to Gaza, maritime security, and protection of civilians. The Indian statement also mentioned that one member had reservations about sections related to Gaza and the Red Sea region.
The disagreement highlighted the challenge of keeping unity within BRICS as the group expands. BRICS now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Differences have become sharper during the Iran-related conflict, especially between countries such as Iran and the UAE, which have different regional interests.
During the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asked BRICS nations to condemn the US and Israel over what he called “unlawful aggression”. But many BRICS countries, including India, avoided taking a direct side.
Dhananjay Tripathi, Associate Professor at South Asian University, said BRICS was unlikely to issue any strongly anti-US or anti-Israel statement because key countries involved in the conflict are outside the bloc. According to him, the most realistic expectation from BRICS was a general appeal for peace.
He added that India should ideally appeal to all sides, including Israel, to reduce tensions and stop the conflict.
India’s Growing Role in West Asia
The West Asia crisis has also increased attention on India’s diplomatic role in the region.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said India could play an important long-term role in reducing tensions between Iran and Arab countries because of its diplomatic experience and balanced relations in the region.
India has also increased engagement with Gulf countries amid concerns over rising oil prices and possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. |
