South Africa said BRICS represents a wider push by emerging economies to reshape global political and economic institutions….reports Africa News desk
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has stressed the growing importance of BRICS in shaping global governance, saying the bloc has become more critical than ever at a time of shifting geopolitical and economic realities.
Speaking during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Lamola said the grouping had consistently supported multilateralism and reforms of international institutions since its formation.
In a post on X, Lamola said BRICS had played an important role in promoting reforms within the global system and strengthening international cooperation.
“Our role as BRICS, in promoting and strengthening global governance has become more critical than ever in this defining moment,” he said.
The South African minister said the alliance represented more than a diplomatic platform, describing it as a collective effort by emerging economies to influence global political and economic institutions so they better reflect modern demographic and economic realities.
The high level meeting formally opened at Bharat Mandapam under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
The summit marks a major event under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship and the fourth time India has led the grouping since taking over the presidency from Brazil on January 1.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed foreign ministers and senior representatives attending the summit.
Among the leaders attending the gathering were Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, who represented Beijing during the meeting.
Delegates from several BRICS member and partner countries also attended, including Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono, Ethiopia’s Gedion Timothewos and UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi later met several visiting ministers on the sidelines of the summit, including Lavrov, Araghchi, Lamola and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
The leaders also participated in the official BRICS family photograph, highlighting unity among member and partner nations amid growing global uncertainty.
As the two day summit continues, discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation, trade, regional security and efforts to strengthen collaboration among emerging economies in an increasingly multipolar world.
