New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said discussions on the “institutional development” of the BRICS grouping have progressed, stressing that such reforms are essential for the smooth advancement of the bloc.
Delivering his opening remarks at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Jaishankar said India, as chair, has been working to promote a more inclusive and collaborative framework for the grouping through sustained engagement with partner countries.
The external affairs minister said discussions have moved forward on integrating new members and updating existing mechanisms to improve coordination.
“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 updating 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.
He added that India has continued to engage regularly with member and partner countries through both bilateral and multilateral platforms, noting that the current meeting comes at a time of significant global uncertainty.
“As chair, I thank each delegation for their 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 said.
Jaishankar highlighted that India’s chairship has already facilitated more than 80 BRICS meetings with participation from all member states, contributing to stronger cooperation across sectors.
He emphasized that consensus remains central to the functioning of BRICS and that all members, including newer entrants, must align with its foundational principles.
“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he added.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting comes amid broader consultations aimed at enhancing coordination among member states on global economic governance, development priorities, and geopolitical challenges. The meeting is scheduled to take place from May 14 to 15.
India officially assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1 this year, taking over from Brazil. This marks the fourth time India has held the presidency of the influential bloc, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021. (ANI)
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