External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday, 14 May said there is a growing expectation — especially among emerging markets and developing countries — that BRICS must step up as a 'constructive and stabilising force' in a world marked by conflicts, economic uncertainty, and fractured trade relations. He made these remarks while delivering the opening address at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under India's 2026 chairship of the expanded grouping.

Setting the Stage at Bharat Mandapam

Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from BRICS member and partner nations converged on the national capital for the high-level meeting. Jaishankar personally received the visiting delegations at the venue ahead of the formal discussions — a gesture underscoring the diplomatic weight India is attaching to its chairship year.

Opening the session, he acknowledged the support of participating nations: 'India's chairship appreciates your support, which has contributed to the steady progress of our work,' he said.

Key Themes: Conflict, Trade, Climate, Technology

Jaishankar outlined four pressure points reshaping the international order. 'We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations, ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology and climate are shaping the global landscape,' he said, framing the meeting as an opportunity to convert shared concern into practical cooperation.

On development priorities, he was specific: 'Many countries face challenges in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. BRICS can help them respond more effectively.' He added that economic resilience — built on reliable supply chains and diversified markets — must remain a core focus.

On climate, Jaishankar called for discussions that advance sustainable development while upholding the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities — a formulation that developing nations have long insisted upon in global climate negotiations. Notably, this framing pushes back against attempts by developed economies to apply uniform emission-reduction obligations regardless of historical contributions.

Peace, Security, and Counter-Terrorism

The External Affairs Minister stressed that peace and security remain central to the global order, pointing to ongoing regional conflicts as evidence of the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy. 'Recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy,' he said, while also calling for stronger multilateral cooperation against terrorism — a consistent Indian priority in every major multilateral forum.

He further highlighted the growing influence of technology on governance structures, arguing that technological advancements must be harnessed to promote good governance and inclusive growth rather than deepen existing divides.

India's Role as BRICS Chair

Speaking in his capacity as chair, Jaishankar assured delegations of an 'open and constructive exchange' and invited members to present their perspectives freely. 'Your inputs will help guide our discussions and contribute to meaningful outcomes,' he said.

This comes amid a broader recalibration of BRICS's identity following its expansion to include new member and partner nations, raising questions about the grouping's coherence and its ability to speak with a unified voice on contentious global issues. With India at the helm in 2026, New Delhi appears determined to anchor the bloc's agenda around development, multipolarity, and reform of global institutions — while keeping the forum's tone cooperative rather than confrontational.

The outcomes of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting are expected to feed into the broader BRICS Leaders' Summit scheduled later in the year under India's chairship.