External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has used India's chairmanship of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting to make a broad call for global reform in the face of war, climate stress, and widening economic fault lines. He has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an overhaul of the UN Security Council, and an unwavering international stance against terrorism.
Speaking at the first major ministerial meeting under India's 2026 chairmanship at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where foreign ministers and senior representatives of the expanded BRICS bloc had gathered, Jaishankar cautioned that the international community was facing something far more dangerous than a run of bad luck.

"What we are witnessing is not a series of isolated events, but a convergence of challenges testing the resilience of multilateral systems," he stated.
The focal point of India's BRICS presidency, the two-day gathering on May 14 and 15, is anticipated to influence the agenda for the Leaders' Summit that New Delhi will host later this year.

"World On Edge"
Jaishankar began his speech with an honest appraisal on the state of the world. He claimed that the Covid epidemic, conflicts, and climate events have been "key contributory factors" to growing vulnerability. However, he indicated a more profound issue at hand—a rebalancing of the world order that not all countries were prepared to embrace.

He claimed that BRICS solidarity took on special significance in this setting. "Collective action and resolve are essential to promote stability, sustainability and prosperity," he told attendees. "The BRICS must not only deliberate on these issues but also work towards effective and coordinated responses." 'Fires in Gaza and the Middle East
The most pressing parts of Jaishankar's speech dealt with the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Regarding Gaza, he was straightforward: "a sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a credible pathway towards a durable and peaceful resolution" are now required because the conflict has "grave humanitarian implications." He reiterated that India is in favour of a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

The minister's worries spread over the larger area. He warned that "safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being," highlighting the dangers to marine trade in vital international waterways. A list of situations that, in Jaishankar's opinion, require ongoing engagement rather than selective attention was mentioned, including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya.He emphasised the significance of respecting international law, safeguarding civilians, and preventing attacks on public infrastructure. "Stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal," he stated. India, he said, "stands ready to contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts."

The Need for UN Reform
The urgent need to repair damaged multilateral institutions was the one subject that ran through the entire speech. The United Nations was specifically mentioned to Jaishankar. "The state of the UN, which is at its core, is particularly worrisome," he stated. "With each passing day, the case for reformed multilateralism only gets stronger."
He called for the UN Security Council to be expanded in both permanent and non-permanent categories. India has always supported this idea, but it has been thwarted for decades by opposition from major powers. "Continued delay comes at a high cost," he stated plainly.

In the same sentence, he directly criticised the increasing use of unilateral sanctions, accusing them of being against both international law and the UN Charter and cautioning that they "disproportionately affect developing countries." "These unjustifiable measures cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy," was his clear warning to those using economic coercion as an instrument of foreign policy.
No Tolerance for Terror
Jaishankar saved some of his most caustic remarks for the terrorist menace. He declared, "There can be no justification for terrorism in any form," adding that transnational terrorism goes against the fundamental tenets of international relations. "Zero tolerance must remain uncompromising and universal norm." Given India's long-standing worries about state-sponsored cross-border militancy, the statements, which were made in New Delhi during a period of extreme regional tension, had a clear resonance.

Climate, Technology, and the Digital Divide
Jaishankar concluded his speech by mentioning two additional factors that are changing the world. While acknowledging the enormous potential of technology, he expressed worries about "trust, transparency, and equitable access," contending that closing the digital divide "must remain a shared priority." He emphasised that justice must accompany action on climate change, "with credible commitments, adequate financing, and accessible support" for countries fighting a catastrophe they did little to cause.
India's Position on the International Scene
India will host a BRICS summit-level engagement for the fourth time at Bharat Mandapam, and the statement released on Thursday made it apparent that New Delhi plans to exploit the occasion to advance its vision of a more equitable and representative international order.

The diplomatic fervour surrounding the event was highlighted by Jaishankar's series of bilateral talks with counterparts from Russia, China, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Iran, and the Maldives on the sidelines.
The aspirations of the entire speech were summed up in his final remarks. "The message from our times is clear: cooperation is essential, dialogue is necessary, and reform is overdue," he stated. "We must work together to shape a more stable, equitable, and inclusive international order."
Before delegates depart the Indian city on Friday, the ministerial sessions will continue with additional talks and bilateral interactions.