External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the 16th BRICS Summit, held in the BRICS Plus format, where he discussed ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the need for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Jaishankar highlighted the widespread anxiety over the potential spread of the conflict in the region. He stressed the importance of a fair, durable solution, advocating for a two-state approach to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

“Effectively addressing conflicts and tensions is a pressing need of the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that this is not an era of war. Disputes and differences must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Agreements, once reached, should be scrupulously respected. International law must be adhered to without exception, and there should be zero tolerance for terrorism. For us, the situation in the Middle East—West Asia is of understandable concern. There is widespread anxiety that the conflict will further escalate, affecting maritime trade and leading to serious human and material consequences. A fair and durable approach is necessary, leading to a two-state solution,” Jaishankar said at the summit in Kazan, Russia.

Jaishankar also outlined several measures to create a more equitable global order.

“How do we create a more equitable global order? First, by strengthening and expanding platforms of independent nature and widening choices across various domains to minimize undue reliance on systems that could be leveraged against nations. BRICS can make a significant difference for the Global South in this regard. Second, it will reform established institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, in both permanent and non-permanent categories and modernize multilateral development banks, which operate with outdated procedures similar to those of the UN. India initiated this effort during its G20 Presidency, and we are pleased to see Brazil continue this work. Third, the global economy can be democratized by creating more production hubs. Fourth, by addressing distortions in global infrastructure, which are remnants of the colonial era. The world urgently needs more connectivity options to enhance logistics and mitigate risks, respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty. Fifth, by sharing experiences and new initiatives,” he added.

Jaishankar further noted that while forces of change are advancing, some longstanding global issues have become more complex.

“We face the paradox that while forces of change have progressed, certain longstanding issues have only grown more complicated. On one hand, there has been steady diversification in production and consumption. Nations that gained independence from colonialism have accelerated their development and socio-economic progress, and new capabilities have emerged, harnessing more talent. This economic, political, and cultural rebalancing has reached a stage where real multipolarity is achievable,” Jaishankar stated.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the BRICS Summit’s Closed Plenary Session and reiterated India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy over war. He emphasized collaboration for a safer future and called for global regulations on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI).

“We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. Just as we collectively overcame the challenge of COVID-19, we are fully capable of creating new opportunities for a safe, strong, and prosperous future for the coming generations. Similarly, we should work towards global regulations on cybersecurity and safe AI,” Modi said at the event.