India Chairs BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting: Advancing a More Inclusive and Resilient Global Order

As India takes over the BRICS chairmanship for 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a forward-looking vision for the grouping. He emphasised strengthening multilateralism, promoting sustainable development, enhancing economic resilience, and building a more inclusive world order that better reflects the aspirations of emerging economies and the Global South.

The two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in New Delhi on May 14-15, marked a significant early step in India's presidency. Chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the gathering brought together senior diplomats from BRICS member countries and partner nations at Bharat Mandapam. It served as an important platform to prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 2026 in India.

The two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting began in New Delhi on Thursday. | NDTV

PM Modi's Interaction with BRICS Leaders

On the opening day, Prime Minister Modi hosted a collective meeting with foreign ministers and heads of delegations. He highlighted BRICS's evolution into a vital forum for cooperation among emerging economies. In his remarks, the Prime Minister noted that under India's leadership, the group would focus on practical outcomes that deliver tangible benefits to member nations and the wider developing world.

The theme for India's BRICS chairmanship — “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” — underscores a people-centric, “Humanity First” approach. This framework aims to address contemporary global challenges through collaborative efforts in areas such as reformed multilateral institutions, digital public infrastructure, clean energy transitions, climate-resilient development, and enhanced economic partnerships.

Key Bilateral Engagements

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Prime Minister Modi during the meeting. The two leaders reviewed progress in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership since the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the situations in Ukraine and West Asia. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy offer the most effective path to resolving conflicts.

Other prominent participants included Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Brazil's Mauro Vieira, Indonesia's Sugiono, and South Africa's Ronald Lamola. These interactions reflected the expanded and diverse nature of the BRICS bloc, now encompassing original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with newer additions such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia.

Priorities Under India's Leadership

India's presidency places strong emphasis on building institutional resilience across member economies. Key focus areas include advancing trade and investment cooperation, promoting fintech and artificial intelligence for inclusive growth, strengthening health security, and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises. Efforts will also target reformed global governance to make institutions like the United Nations more representative of current realities.

The meeting took place amid complex geopolitical developments, including tensions in West Asia. While members expressed their respective national positions on various issues, including maritime security and civilian protection, the discussions reinforced a shared commitment to peaceful resolutions and stable global supply chains.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s leadership of the BRICS chairmanship in 2026 signals a strategic moment in global diplomacy, where emerging economies are increasingly asserting their role in shaping international governance. By prioritising resilience, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, India is positioning BRICS as more than a political grouping—it is being framed as a practical platform for addressing shared global challenges through stronger multilateral cooperation and development-focused partnerships.

The New Delhi Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reflects this broader ambition, bringing together both longstanding and newly inducted BRICS members at a time of shifting geopolitical realities. India’s emphasis on institutional reform, digital transformation, economic collaboration, and peaceful diplomacy highlights its intent to strengthen the bloc’s collective voice while ensuring that the concerns of the Global South remain central to future global decision-making.

(Sources: NDTV, News On Air)