External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said reform of global institutions is essential in an increasingly complex and multipolar world….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday called for credible and reformed multilateralism, saying the world has become increasingly interconnected, complex and multipolar.
Chairing the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting session on “Reforms of Global Governance and Multilateral System”, Jaishankar stressed the need for urgent reforms in major international institutions, including the United Nations and global financial bodies.
He said the effectiveness and credibility of the United Nations would remain limited without expansion in both permanent and non permanent categories of membership.
Jaishankar also highlighted the need to reform the international financial architecture, including strengthening Multilateral Development Banks to make them more responsive, resilient and accessible, particularly for development and climate finance.
The minister underlined the importance of maintaining a rules based, fair, open and inclusive international trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core.
He said global trade systems must address challenges arising from non market practices, concentration of supply chains and uncertain market access.
“The message from our times is clear, cooperation is essential, dialogue is necessary, reform is overdue,” Jaishankar said during the meeting.
The two day gathering marks the first major ministerial level engagement under India’s BRICS chairship and is expected to help shape the agenda for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit later this year.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stressed the importance of strengthening multilateralism and promoting cooperation among emerging economies.
Speaking after meeting foreign ministers and heads of delegation from BRICS countries in the capital, Modi said the grouping had become an important platform for amplifying the voice and aspirations of the Global South.
“Under India’s Chairmanship this year, we will work together to strengthen multilateralism, promote sustainable development, enhance economic resilience and build a more inclusive world order,” Modi posted on X.
The BRICS meeting has brought together ministers and senior officials from member and partner countries to discuss global governance reforms, trade, economic cooperation and sustainable development amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from participating countries on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.
EAM met his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Hasan, with both sides reviewing the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The two leaders also discussed the follow-up on the outcomes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia in February this year.
Sharing the details of the meeting on X, EAM posted: “Always good to meet FM Mohamad Hasan of Malaysia. Reviewed the progress of our comprehensive strategic partnership, including follow-up on the outcomes from PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia earlier this year.”
EAM Jaishankar also met the Foreign Minister of Uganda, Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, as the two leaders discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including food and health security, while exploring greater technological collaboration and stronger business linkages.
Taking to his X following the meeting, EAM posted, “Great meeting FM Odongo Jeje Abubakhar of Uganda on the sidelines of BRICS India 2026 FMM. Our longstanding cooperation continues to advance. Discussed food and health security, as well as experience sharing, including the use of technology and stronger linkages enabled by the Indian community and businesses.”
EAM also held talks with the Foreign Minister of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, where the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in areas such as health, development initiatives and capacity building. Both leaders also exchanged an MoU for regular diplomatic consultations between the foreign ministries of India and Cuba.
“Glad to meet FM Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla of Cuba. Discussed cooperation focusing on health, development partnership and capacity building. Also exchanged an MoU on holding regular consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
Earlier in the day, EAM met his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in New Delhi, where the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications, along with bilateral matters of mutual interest.
EAM Jaishankar also welcomed Araghchi’s participation in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being hosted in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairship.
Following the meeting, EAM posted, X: “Had a detailed conversation with FM Abbas Araghchi of Iran this morning in Delhi. Discussed the situation in West Asia and its implications. Also exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest. Appreciate his participation in BRICS India 2026. “
