BRICS 'important forum' for cooperation, practical responses, says India amid 'geopolitical uncertainties'

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - The BRICS bloc remains an “important" forum that encourages “dialogue and cooperation and practical responses,” amid "geopolitical uncertainties," Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said Tuesday.

Jaishankar also unveiled the BRICS logo and the launch of the BRICS website in New Delhi as India chairs the bloc for 2026.

“The current global environment presents complex and interlinked challenges, geopolitical uncertainties, complicated economic landscapes, climate-related risks, technological changes, and persistent development gaps that continue to affect countries across regions,” Jaishankar said.

He added: “In this context, BRICS remains an important forum that encourages dialogue and cooperation and practical responses, taking into account national priorities at different stages of development.”

Noting that India approaches its leadership of the bloc with a “humanity-first and a people-centric approach,” Jaishankar said this year's theme reflects their “belief that cooperation among BRICS members can help address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner.”

He stressed that "at a time when the world is also navigating multiple complex challenges, the call for a reinvigorated, inclusive, and effective multilateral order has never been more urgent."

“BRICS must commit to a reformed multilateralism that reflects contemporary realities, one where institutions like the United Nations, the WTO (World Trade Organization), IMF (International Monetary Fund), and the World Bank are representative and inclusive,” said Jaishankar, adding: “India will seek to make its chairship inclusive, practical, people-centered, and outcome-oriented.”

BRICS was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran later joined, expanding the group to 11 members, alongside 10 strategic partner countries.

The bloc aims to create alternative financial mechanisms, reduce dollar dependency, and increase Global South representation in international institutions, challenging Western-led governance structures.

In 2025, Brazil led the bloc.