External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday (May 14) called for stronger dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation against terrorism as he opened the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in New Delhi, saying recent conflicts had only underlined the centrality of peace and security to the global order.
“Peace and security issues remain central to the global order,” Jaishankar told foreign ministers and senior delegates gathered in the capital. “Recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. There is also a deeply shared interest in strengthening cooperation against terrorism.”
Jaishankar said the world was at a moment of “considerable flux,” shaped by ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate.
“There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role,” he said.
On development, he said energy, food, fertiliser and health security remained pressing concerns for many countries, alongside access to finance and that BRICS could help them respond more effectively. On the economy, he called for reliable supply chains and diversified markets as essential components of resilience.
On climate, he said discussions must “advance sustainable development while upholding the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.” On technology, he said it “can be leveraged for good governance and inclusive growth.”
The meeting was attended by several senior BRICS leaders, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On the sidelines, Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Lavrov covering trade, energy, connectivity and the mobility of skilled workers under the framework of their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
India assumed the BRICS Presidency on 1 January 2026, and the foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi marked one of its most significant diplomatic gatherings under the chairmanship.