BRICS Expected to Play a Stabilising Role in Global Politics: Jaishankar
© REUTERS Adnan Abidi
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Chaired by Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) kicked off in New Delhi on Thursday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi are among the attendees.
India's top diplomat S Jaishankar has told the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting that the grouping is being expected to play a "constructive and stabilising role" in international relations.
"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 stabilizing role," Jaishankar told the opening session, during which the BRICS diplomats exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
The remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing US-Iran war and as BRICS nations look for a unified position on the Middle-East conflict. Along with the Iranian foreign minister, UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar is also attending the meeting.
Jaishankar expressed hope that discussions during the BRICS meeting would help in developing "convergances" and come up with practical ways to strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation.
The Indian foreign minister underscored the importance of peace and security for the global order.
Jaishankar expressed hope that discussions during the BRICS meeting would help in developing "convergances" and come up with practical ways to strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation.
The Indian foreign minister underscored the importance of peace and security for 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," he said.
The top diplomat said that the Indian presidency of the BRICS has built upon the institutional development of BRICS, following its expansion at the Kazan Summit and induction of partner countries.
"We have also taken forward discussions on institutional development, including the integration of new members through a stocktake and updation of existing mechanisms. It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to the BRICS’ consensus on various important issues." Jaishankar stated.
Besides the BRICS nations, the diplomats from 10 'partner' countries are also scheduled to attend the BRICS Plus Meeting on Friday.
He stated that India backed a "more inclusive and collaborative BRICS framework", which includes engaging with partner countries.
During his remarks, Jaishankar stressed the importance of development issues for BRICS nations, while flagging challenges to energy, food, fertilizer and health security, as also access to finance. He added that BRICS could help the Global South nations respond more effectively to these issues.
He stated that India backed a "more inclusive and collaborative BRICS framework", which includes engaging with partner countries.
During his remarks, Jaishankar stressed the importance of development issues for BRICS nations, while flagging challenges to energy, food, fertilizer and health security, as also access to finance. He added that BRICS could help the Global South nations respond more effectively to these issues.
"Economic resilience is also key. Reliable supply chains and diversified markets are its essential components. We must focus on both. Climate change remains a pressing concern. Our discussions must advance sustainable development while upholding the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities," the foreign minister said.
Technological advancements are reshaping the global landscape. It can be leveraged for good governance and inclusive growth, Jaishankar added.
