Calling for expansion of the UN Security Council (UNSC), External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday said BRICS nations must work together not only to manage global challenges, but to shape a more democratic, representative and equitable international order.
Jaishankar stated that the United Nations needs reforms, including an expanded Security Council, to remain effective.
India hosted the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting which concluded on Friday at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.
In his remarks at the BRICS Session on Reforms of Global Governance and Multilateral System on the final day of the Meeting, Jaishankar said India remains committed to working with all partners to advance the goal of reformed and effective multilateralism. “India has consistently advocated reformed multilateralism; one that reflects current realities and responds to the aspirations of emerging markets and developing countries,” the EAM added.
He underlined the need for credible and reformed multilateralism in a world which is “more interconnected, complex and multipolar”. “We meet at a time when the effectiveness of global governance and the credibility of multilateralism are under increasing scrutiny. The world today is more interconnected, complex, and multipolar than when many of our current institutions were created. Yet, the structures that underpin global governance have not kept pace with these changes,” the EAM stated.
“In this context, our discussion on reform is both timely and necessary. From declining trust to inefficiencies in decision-making, multilateral frameworks are under considerable strain. As BRICS nations, we have a shared responsibility to advance a more inclusive, representative, and responsive global governance architecture,” Jaishankar remarked.
“Reform is therefore not a matter of choice, but of necessity. It is essential to ensure that multilateralism remains relevant and effective in addressing contemporary challenges,” he said.
The EAM stressed that the United Nations’ effectiveness and credibility will remain constrained without expansion of permanent and non-permanent categories.
“The reform of the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies remains central. The membership of the United Nations has expanded significantly, and its responsibilities have grown. Yet, key structures, particularly the Security Council, continue to reflect an earlier era. Without meaningful reform, including expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, the effectiveness and credibility of the UN will remain constrained. Representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America is essential,” he said.
He highlighted the urgency of international financial architecture reforms, enabling Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to become more responsive, robust and equipped as well as increasing accessibility of development and climate finance.
Jaishankar stressed the importance of a rules-based, fair, open and inclusive international trading system with World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core, responding to challenges of non-market practices, concentration of supply chains and uncertain market access.
He stated that reforms must also extend beyond structures to processes.
“Multilateralism must be democratic, representative and effective. India’s approach to multilateralism has been guided by dialogue, cooperation, and bridging differences,” the EAM remarked.
He further said reformed multilateralism must be grounded in respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law, and recognition of diverse national circumstances. “It must promote trust, ensure fairness, and uphold responsibility,” the EAM said.
“The message from our times is clear – Cooperation is essential. Dialogue is necessary. Reform is overdue,” EAM Jaishankar stated.