S Jaishankar Champions Multilateralism and UN Security Council Reforms at High-Level BRICS Meeting in New York

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted a BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in New York on Saturday, emphasizing the group's essential role in advancing multilateralism amid global challenges.

During the gathering, Jaishankar highlighted that "BRICS has stood firm as a strong voice of reason and constructive change" at a time when multilateral systems are experiencing significant pressure.

He stressed the importance for BRICS nations to champion peacebuilding efforts, diplomatic solutions, dialogue, and adherence to international law in today's volatile global landscape.

"In a turbulent world, BRICS must reinforce the message of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law," Jaishankar shared on social media platform X.

Addressing institutional reform needs, Jaishankar asserted that "BRICS must amplify its collective call for a comprehensive reform of the principal organs of the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council," reflecting the coalition's persistent advocacy for more inclusive global governance structures.

The minister also addressed economic concerns, noting that "as rising protectionism, tariff volatility and non-tariff barriers impact trade flows, BRICS must defend the multilateral trading system." He further emphasized that "technology and innovation would define the next phase of BRICS cooperation."

As the current BRICS Chair, Jaishankar outlined India's priorities: "India's Chairship will focus on food and energy security, climate change, and sustainable development through digital transformation, startups, innovation, and strengthened development partnerships."

Separately, Jaishankar participated in an IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Foreign Ministers meeting in New York, where the group reiterated its commitment to transformative UN Security Council reform.

"A great meeting of the IBSA Ministers in New York this evening. IBSA made a strong call for the transformative reform of the UNSC," he reported. The ministers also discussed the IBSA Academic Forum, maritime exercises, Trust Fund initiatives, and enhancing trade between the three nations.

Additionally, Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Foreign Ministers' Meeting alongside Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio.

The ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple domains including agriculture, trade, health, digital technologies, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building. They also explored emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, technology, critical minerals, space exploration, and renewable energy.

Both India and CELAC concurred on "the urgent need to reform multilateral institutions to better represent the Voice of the Global South," according to Jaishankar's social media statement.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with several counterparts, including Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Antigua and Barbuda Foreign Minister Paul Chet Greene, Uruguay Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, and Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio.