BRICS FMs back India’s Chairship, push for UN reforms, multilateralism and ceasefire in Gaza at New Delhi meet
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi, May 15. Foreign Ministers of BRICS countries concluded a two-day meeting in New Delhi on May 15 with a sweeping call for reform of global governance institutions, stronger multilateralism, and urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts, particularly in West Asia, while endorsing India’s priorities for its 2026 Chairship.
Meeting under India’s theme, ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across the political-security, economic-financial and people-to-people pillars of the grouping. According to an outcome document issued following the two-day deliberations, they backed New Delhi’s focus on capacity building, innovation-led growth, sustainable development and resilience for emerging and developing economies.
Marking the 20th anniversary of BRICS, the ministers reiterated the need for a more democratic, representative and accountable international order, placing the United Nations at the centre of global governance. They strongly endorsed comprehensive reform of the UN, including expansion of the Security Council to reflect contemporary realities, and reiterated support – voiced by China and Russia – for a greater role for Brazil and India in the UN system.
The ministers voiced concern over growing geopolitical polarisation, stressing that global disputes must be resolved through dialogue, preventive diplomacy and mediation. They underlined the indivisibility of security and agreed to explore cooperation on conflict prevention, UN peacekeeping and African Union peace support operations.
A significant portion of the discussions focused on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The ministers called for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. They condemned violations of international humanitarian law, obstruction of aid, and attacks on civilians. They also expressed concern over developments in Lebanon, the Red Sea, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, emphasising respect for sovereignty, maritime security and regional diplomatic solutions.
On terrorism, the ministers strongly condemned the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, including cross-border terror financing and safe havens. They called for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.
Economically, BRICS ministers criticised unilateral sanctions, protectionist trade measures and tariff barriers inconsistent with WTO rules. They pushed for restoration of a functional WTO dispute settlement mechanism and reforms in Bretton Woods institutions to increase the voice of developing countries. The group welcomed progress on initiatives such as cross-border payment systems, reinsurance cooperation, and discussions on a BRICS grain trading platform.
They also emphasised cooperation in energy transitions, climate action, food security, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence governance, public health, and resilient supply chains. India’s initiatives on disaster-resilient infrastructure, big cat conservation, digital connectivity, and traditional medicine received mention.
The ministers underlined the growing role of the New Development Bank in financing sustainable development and backed further expansion of its membership. They also supported strengthening of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement as a financial safety net for members.
Recognising the importance of technology governance, the ministers called for enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity, ICT security norms, space security, and AI governance, while advocating equitable digital access for developing countries.
They stressed the need to protect cultural heritage, promote women’s participation in peace processes, combat illicit financial flows and digital fraud networks, and enhance cooperation among law enforcement and financial intelligence agencies.
The meeting also noted the expansion of BRICS and the need for institutional strengthening, including creation of an online archival database and discussions on the future rotation of the Chairship.
As India prepares to host the BRICS Leaders’ Summit later this year, the foreign ministers’ outcome document signals that the grouping intends to position itself as a key voice of the Global South, pressing for systemic reforms in global institutions while navigating a world marked by conflict, economic disruption and technological transformation.
