Growing expectation for BRICS to play ‘constructive, stabilising role’ amid global uncertainty: EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said there is a growing expectation among emerging markets and developing nations that BRICS will play a “constructive and stabilising role” amid global conflicts, economic uncertainty, and challenges related to trade, technology, climate change, and security.

Jaishankar made the remarks while delivering the opening address at the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being held at Bharat Mandapam under India’s 2026 chairship of the expanded grouping.

Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from BRICS member and partner countries arrived in New Delhi to participate in the high-level meeting. The External Affairs Minister personally welcomed the visiting delegations before the commencement of discussions.

Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar thanked participating countries for supporting India’s chairship and contributing to the progress of BRICS cooperation.

“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,” he said.

Highlighting the growing importance of the grouping, the External Affairs Minister said developing countries increasingly expect BRICS to contribute towards global stability and cooperation.

“There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role,” he said.

Jaishankar said the meeting provided an important opportunity for member nations to deliberate on major global and regional developments and identify practical ways to strengthen cooperation.

“In this background, our discussions today are an opportunity to reflect on global and regional developments and to consider practical ways to strengthen our cooperation,” he said.

The External Affairs Minister stressed that development-related concerns remain central to the BRICS agenda and pointed to challenges faced by many countries in areas such as energy, food, fertiliser, healthcare, and finance.

“Many countries face challenges in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. BRICS can help them respond more effectively. Economic resilience is also key. Reliable supply chains and diversified markets are its essential components,” he said.

On climate change, Jaishankar said global discussions must continue to support sustainable development while upholding the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

“Climate change remains a pressing concern. Our discussions must advance sustainable development while advancing principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the growing impact of technological advancements on global governance and stressed the need to use innovation for inclusive growth and better governance systems.

Referring to global conflicts and instability, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

“Peace and security issues remain central to the global order. Recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy,” he said, while also calling for stronger cooperation against terrorism.

He further reaffirmed India’s commitment to facilitating “open and constructive exchanges” during the BRICS deliberations and encouraged delegations to share their perspectives freely.

“As Chair, I thank each delegation for its presence and continued commitment to strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework. In this complicated and uncertain world, developing convergences is of ever-greater importance,” Jaishankar added.

In addition to attending the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the visiting delegates are scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The MEA said the second day of the meeting will feature a session titled “BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, followed by discussions on reforms of global governance and the multilateral system.

The previous BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, with India chairing the meeting in its capacity as the incoming BRICS chair.