NEW DELHI — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar opened the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Bharat Mandapam today with a powerful call for global restructuring. Highlighting India’s 2026 chairship, Jaishankar addressed a world “on edge,” demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an urgent overhaul of the UN Security Council.
A Convergence of Global Crises
Jaishankar characterized the current international climate as a “convergence of challenges” rather than a series of bad events.
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The “Three C’s”: He cited Conflict, Climate, and Covid as primary drivers of global vulnerability.
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Economic Strain: The Minister emphasized that developing nations are being hit hardest by supply chain disruptions and pressures on food, energy, and fertilizer security.
Urgent Peace & Security Demands
The address focused heavily on active conflict zones and global security norms:
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Gaza Ceasefire: Jaishankar called for a sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a “credible pathway” to a two-state solution.
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Maritime Safety: He stressed the vital importance of safe maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea for global economic health.
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Zero Tolerance for Terror: In a sharp critique of cross-border militancy, he asserted that “zero tolerance must remain an uncompromising and universal norm.”
The Push for Multilateral Reform
Jaishankar’s most pointed remarks targeted the stagnation of global institutions:
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UNSC Expansion: He demanded the expansion of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories, stating that “continued delay comes at a high cost.”
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Economic Coercion: He slammed the use of unilateral sanctions, arguing they disproportionately harm developing nations and cannot replace diplomacy.
The two-day summit will conclude on Friday, setting the stage for the Leaders’ Summit India is scheduled to host later this year. On the sidelines, Jaishankar held high-level bilateral talks with counterparts from Russia, China, Brazil, and Iran, reinforcing New Delhi’s role as a central mediator in the shifting global order.
