As the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting convened in New Delhi amid the shadow of the Iran war and escalating tensions in West Asia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday warned that the world is entering a phase of “unprecedented geopolitical and economic uncertainty.”
With global energy routes, financial stability, and regional peace increasingly under strain, Jaishankar called for stronger BRICS solidarity, stressing that collective action is essential to ensure stability, sustainability, and prosperity in an increasingly fragmented world order.
Besides highlighting that the conflicts, climate events, and the Covid pandemic have been key contributory factors, Jaishankar said, “There is also an overarching trend reflecting the rebalancing and democratization of the global order. Not all nations are able to come to terms with it. Cumulatively, these developments are weakening growth prospects and deepening vulnerabilities. What we are witnessing is not a series of isolated events, but a convergence of challenges testing the resilience of multilateral systems.”
He reiterated India’s unwavering “commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter,” stressing that “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity should continue to underpin international relations.” It also emphasised that lasting solutions to conflicts can only be achieved through “dialogue and diplomacy”.
Addressing the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on global and regional issues, he noted that the impact of these crises has been particularly severe for emerging markets and developing countries, affecting energy, food, and fertilizer security, disrupting supply chains, fuelling inflationary pressures, and weakening growth prospects.
“The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation,” he said, stressing that safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.
Against this backdrop, BRICS unity becomes especially important. Coordinated action and collective resolve are vital to advancing stability, sustainability, and prosperity. The discussions today are therefore timely, as BRICS countries must go beyond deliberation to develop effective and coordinated responses.
Held at Bharat Mandapam under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the meeting comes amid rising tensions involving Iran, growing instability in the region, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to critical energy infrastructure — developments that have intensified concerns over global economic stability.
The minister also raised concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. He said a sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a credible pathway towards a peaceful resolution remain essential.
Jaishankar further pointed to instability in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya, saying these situations require sustained international engagement and coordinated diplomatic efforts.
“Stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal,” he said, underlining the need to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure.
Calling for stronger BRICS solidarity, Jaishankar said collective action was essential to promote stability, sustainability, and prosperity in an increasingly fragmented world order.
“The message from our times is clear: cooperation is essential, dialogue is necessary, and reform is overdue,” he said.
On terrorism, Jaishankar said there could be “no justification for terrorism in any form” and stressed that zero tolerance towards cross-border terrorism must remain a universal principle.
He also highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide, ensure equitable access to emerging technologies, and pursue climate action alongside climate justice through adequate financing and support for developing nations.
Raising concerns over the weakening multilateral system, Jaishankar renewed India’s push for reforms in global governance institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
“With each passing day, the case for reformed multilateralism only gets stronger. Continued delay comes at a high cost,” he said.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting marks the first major ministerial engagement under India’s BRICS Presidency and has brought together representatives from the expanded 10-member bloc at a time of deepening geopolitical fault lines and economic uncertainty.
