EAM Jaishankar underlines significance of BRICS for multipolarity and global diversity
Highlighting India's stand on addressing global challenges, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasised the need for reforming multilateralism and strengthening development during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Thursday (September 26, 2024). He also discussed achieving SDG targets and overcoming poverty at the meeting which focused on the themes of multipolarity, global diversity, and the importance of reforming multilateral institutions to align with contemporary realities.

The BRICS meeting, convened by Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, placed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the heart of the discussions. EAM Jaishankar highlighted the importance of addressing critical issues like poverty, debt relief, and promoting fair trade to achieve the SDG targets, emphasizing that these efforts are vital for developing nations.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Just concluded the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of UNGA79. Underlined its significance for multipolarity and global diversity. Focused on reforming multilateralism and strengthening development."

"Also discussed achieving SDG targets, addressing debt, promoting fair trade, and overcoming poverty," Jaishankar posted, reiterating the need for coordinated global efforts to tackle these pressing challenges. With many BRICS nations still grappling with economic inequality and development disparities, the discussions underscored the need for a more equitable and inclusive global economic system.

The External Affairs Minister’s remarks resonated with the broader call for the Global South to have a stronger voice in international governance, emphasising that sustainable development cannot be achieved without fair trade practices and a reduction in global inequalities. He expressed his gratitude to Mauro Vieira for chairing the session and ensuring that these issues were given the attention they deserve.

EAM Jaishankar’s call for multilateral reform also ties into India's broader agenda of pushing for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a long-standing aspiration for New Delhi. India, along with other BRICS nations, has consistently advocated for changes in the UNSC’s composition to make it more representative of the modern global order.

EAM Jaishankar Meets Counterparts on UNGA sidelines 

 On the sidelines of the 79th UNGA, EAM Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from other nations, further reinforcing India’s active engagement in global diplomacy.

One such meeting was with Tim Kabba, Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone. EAM Jaishankar appreciated Sierra Leone’s leadership on reformed multilateralism, reinforcing the close ties between the two nations. In another post on X, Jaishankar shared, "Happy to see FM Tim Kabba of Sierra Leone on the sidelines of UNGA79. Appreciate their leadership on reformed multilateralism."

Additionally, he met with Egypt’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty. Describing their interaction, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Good to meet the new Egyptian FM Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of UNGA79." This meeting highlights the continued efforts by India to deepen its ties with key nations in Africa and the Middle East.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also met with Jaishankar ahead of the BRICS meeting. With Iran playing a significant role in West Asia’s geopolitics, the interaction underscores India’s desire to maintain strong ties with key players in the region, particularly as global tensions and regional conflicts continue to evolve.

EAM Jaishankar also reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Summit of the Future pact in a meeting with Philemon Yang, the newly elected President of the UNGA. The pact, which covers a range of crucial global issues, including sustainable development, climate change, peace and security, and human rights, was a focal point of their discussions.

"Pleased to meet new UNGA President Philemon Yang today in New York. Assured him of India's full support to his vision of Unity in Diversity, Peace, Human Sustainability, and Dignity for everyone everywhere," Jaishankar posted on X following their meeting. Yang, in response, acknowledged India’s key role in advancing the interests of the Global South, particularly in areas like climate change and global governance. "I had the pleasure to receive India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar today. We discussed the priorities and key issues for UNGA79, and building on the outcomes of the Summit of the Future," Yang posted on X.

With EAM Jaishankar’s continued diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of UNGA79, India’s role in shaping the global conversation on multilateral reforms and sustainable development is becoming ever more prominent, signaling its commitment to leading change in the global south.