BRICS Summit: Jaishankar Pushes Global Reforms Now

In a resounding address at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a blueprint for overhauling global institutions to match the realities of a hyper-connected, multipolar era. Leading discussions on reforming global governance, Jaishankar emphasized that the UN's credibility hinges on Security Council expansion across permanent and temporary seats. Without it, he warned, the body's influence will stay curtailed. Turning to economics, he demanded urgent upgrades to the international financial architecture. Multilateral development banks must evolve into agile, transparent powerhouses, with streamlined pathways to development and climate funding for nations in need. On trade, Jaishankar spotlighted the WTO's pivotal role in nurturing an equitable, open trading regime. He flagged perils such as unfair practices, monopolized supply chains, and erratic market access, which erode trust in the system. His message was unequivocal: 'Cooperation is a must, dialogue indispensable, and reforms overdue.' This mantra resonates as BRICS nations navigate geopolitical shifts. India's presidency marks this as its inaugural high-level ministerial gathering, pivotal for charting the leaders' summit course. It aligns with PM Modi's vision shared during Thursday's interactions with counterparts. Modi, posting on X, celebrated BRICS' role in amplifying emerging markets and Global South voices. He committed India's tenure to bolstering multilateral frameworks, sustainable growth, economic fortitude, and inclusive global structures—promises echoed in every handshake and discussion.