Says “BRICS Advancing cooperation among emerging economies, giving voice to the aspirations of the Global South”
“This Year’s Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, Sustainability”
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that under India’s Chairmanship this year, BRICS will work together to strengthen multilateralism, promote sustainable development, enhance economic resilience and build a more inclusive world order.
Interacting with Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation of BRICS countries who called on PM Modi on Thursday in New Delhi Prime Miniter said, BRICS has emerged as an important platform for advancing cooperation among emerging economies and giving voice to the aspirations of the Global South. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting which is underway in New Delhi.
Earlier, in his opening remarks at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that peace and security remain central to the global order. He said that the recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. He emphasized that in this complicated and uncertain world discussions must advance sustainable development while upholding principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. He underscored that technological advancements are reshaping the global landscape and it can be leveraged for good governance and inclusive growth. Dr Jaishankar said that there is also a deeply shared interest in strengthening cooperation against terrorism. He stressed that ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape and there is a growing expectation that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilizing role in this.
Dr Jaishankar also thanked the participating countries for their presence and continued commitment to strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework. The Minister said that many countries continue to face challenges related to energy, food, fertilizer and health security.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, Malaysian foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, UAE Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, among others are attending the meeting. During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of BRICS Member Countries will exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.
The theme of the event is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. It draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Humanity First and People-centric vision for BRICS. On the second day tomorrow, BRICS Member and Partner Countries will participate in a session themed BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. This will be followed by a session on the Reforms of Global Governance and Multilateral System.
In the session themed on BRICS@20, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar highlighted that BRICS has expanded its agenda and membership in response to changing global realities, while remaining focused on people-centric development and practical cooperation. The Minister noted that the BRICS’ strength is its independence and diversity, perceived as seeking change and reform, embodiment of multi-polarity, offers de-risking and diversifying options, and values mutual respect and sovereign equality. Dr Jaishankar said, institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement demonstrate BRICS ability to create credible alternatives. He added that the BRICS MSME Connect Portal, the Trade Receivables Discounting System, and partnerships in agriculture and health to deepen Cooperation. The Minister expressed confidence that these efforts will strengthen BRICS in line with the principles of international understanding, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, full consultation, and consensus.
