The two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting officially began in New Delhi on Thursday, with India hosting top diplomats from member nations amid growing global tensions and economic uncertainty. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed foreign ministers and senior representatives from the BRICS bloc, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
India, which currently holds the BRICS presidency for 2026, is chairing the high-level meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation among emerging economies and discussing pressing international challenges. The expanded BRICS grouping now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
Ahead of the formal sessions, Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with participating leaders. His meeting with Lavrov focused on strengthening India-Russia strategic ties and enhancing cooperation in a rapidly changing global environment. Jaishankar stressed the importance of dialogue between trusted partners during uncertain times.
The Indian minister also met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whose visit comes at a time when tensions in West Asia remain high. Reports suggest that the ongoing Iran conflict, rising oil prices and disruptions in maritime trade routes are expected to dominate discussions during the BRICS talks.
Speaking at the opening session, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of maintaining safe and uninterrupted maritime trade routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, warning that disruptions could impact global economic stability. He also criticised unilateral sanctions and coercive measures that violate international law, saying such actions disproportionately affect developing nations.
The meeting is also expected to focus on global food and energy security, reform of international institutions, and greater cooperation among Global South nations. Diplomats from partner countries are also participating in the discussions, while the visiting ministers are scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their stay in Delhi.
