In a turbulent world, BRICS must reinforce the message of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law – S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

PIcture :X/@DrSJaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) to defend the multilateral trading system amid increasing protectionism and tariff volatility during a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session.

“When multilateralism is under stress, BRICS has stood firm as a strong voice of reason and constructive change,” Jaishankar said in a social media post.

“In a turbulent world, BRICS must reinforce the message of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law,” he said.

“As rising protectionism, tariff volatility and non-tariff barriers impact trade flows, BRICS must defend the multilateral trading system,” he said.

According to media reports, Jaishankar’s remarks come weeks after the US slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India, including an additional 25 per cent penalty for its purchase of Russian oil, among the highest in the world.

The external affairs minister also called on the bloc to amplify its collective call for a comprehensive reform of the principal organs of the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council.

“Technology and innovation will define the next phase of BRICS cooperation,” he added.

Talking about India’s upcoming chairship of the grouping in 2026, Jaishankar said it will focus on food and energy security, climate change and sustainable development through digital transformation, startups, innovation and strengthened development partnerships.

Jaishankar also met his counterparts from Sierra Leone, Romania, Cuba, Austria, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Russia, Uruguay, Colombia, Antigua and Barbuda, among others, on the margins of the UN General Assembly session.