BRICS Needs Stronger Institutional Development for Smooth Growth: S. Jaishankar
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said discussions on the “institutional development” of the BRICS grouping have progressed, underlining that such reforms are essential for the bloc’s smooth functioning and future expansion.
Addressing the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Jaishankar said India, as the current Chair, has been working to promote a more inclusive and collaborative framework through sustained engagement with partner countries. He noted that discussions have advanced on integrating new members and updating existing mechanisms to improve coordination within the grouping.
“Promoting a more inclusive and collaborative BRICS framework, we, as the Chair, have been engaging with Partner countries as well. 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 BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” Jaishankar said.
The minister said India has remained in close contact with member and partner nations through bilateral and multilateral engagements, adding that the meeting comes at a time of growing global uncertainty.
“As Chair, I thank each delegation for the presence and continued commitment to strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework. All of us remain in close and regular contact through bilateral and multilateral engagements. Getting together today for the BRICS meeting is, however, a special occasion. This allows us to exchange perspectives and encourages us to develop convergences, and in this complex and uncertain world, this is of ever greater importance,” he added.
Jaishankar said India’s chairship has already facilitated more than 80 BRICS meetings involving participation from all member states, contributing to stronger cooperation across sectors. He reiterated that consensus remains central to the functioning of the grouping and stressed that newer members must align with its foundational principles and shared positions on key issues.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, being held from May 14 to 15, is part of wider consultations aimed at strengthening coordination among member states on global economic governance, development priorities, and geopolitical challenges.
India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on January 1 this year from Brazil. This marks the fourth time India has held the presidency of the bloc, after previously hosting BRICS summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
(DD News)
