BRICS Meet: Jaishankar Stresses Urgent Global Reforms Over Preference

At the BRICS 2026 preparatory summit in New Delhi on May 15, India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar made a strong case for overhauling global institutions. Addressing delegates at India Mandapam, he declared that reforms in international bodies are a dire need, not a luxury. The minister's speech came amid rising doubts about multilateralism's reliability in a hyper-connected, multipolar world. 'Today's global landscape dwarfs the era when our key institutions were founded,' Jaishankar noted, pointing out that governance structures haven't kept pace. He framed reforms as crucial to counter pressures like trust deficits and flawed decision processes. BRICS countries, he urged, must lead the charge toward an inclusive global order. 'Reform isn't about what we like—it's about what we must do to keep multilateralism functional,' he said. India's advocacy for updated multilateralism prioritizes emerging economies' voices. Equal footing in the UN isn't just principled; it's foundational. Jaishankar broke it down into four pillars. On the UN front, he called for modernizing structures, especially the Security Council, which lags behind the organization's growth. Expansions ensuring regional balance—Asia, Africa, Latin America—are key to restoring credibility. Negotiations have advanced, with better processes fostering focused debates. BRICS' Johannesburg discussions built consensus, but text-based talks and implementation are next steps. Financial reforms can't wait, given economic fragilities like disrupted chains and resource inequities. Development banks need agility and scale; finance for growth and climate must fit country needs. Trade systems require bolstering too. Amid distortions and risks, a WTO-led framework must be equitable, tackling issues vital to the Global South. Wrapping up, Jaishankar rallied for collective action: 'Cooperation and reform will shape a fairer world order.' India's pledge to collaborate underscores its leadership role.