Correspondent, Chanakyapuri
NEW DELHI – BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations concluded a two-day meeting in New Delhi on Friday ( May 15, 2026), marking the 20th anniversary of the group with a comprehensive “Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document, “the Ministry of External Affairs said. Under India’s 2026 Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the ministers announced several key initiatives aimed at reshaping global governance and enhancing economic cooperation among emerging markets.
A primary focus of the meeting was the urgent need to reform the international system. The ministers reiterated their commitment to a more representative and democratic global order, specifically calling for the comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including increasing the representation of developing countries in the Security Council.
Furthermore, the bloc urged for the urgent reform of the Bretton Woods Institutions, including the IMF and the World Bank. To enhance economic independence, the ministers encouraged the continuation of the BRICS Cross-Border Payments initiative and acknowledged progress on establishing the BRICS Grain Exchange, a platform intended to stabilize agricultural trade and ensure global food security.
Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism
The ministers expressed “deep concern” regarding the situation in the Middle East. They called for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the realization of a sovereign State of Palestine within the 1967 borders. The statement also condemned continued violations of Lebanese sovereignty and attacks against UNIFIL personnel.
Addressing security threats closer to the host nation, the ministers strongly condemned the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 deaths. They reaffirmed a policy of “zero tolerance” for terrorism and called for the rapid finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Innovation and Digital Infrastructure
The meeting highlighted significant strides in technological collaboration. The ministers welcomed the establishment of the BRICS Submarine Cable Task Force, which is conducting a feasibility study for a high-speed communication network connecting member states.
On the frontier of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the group committed to the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of AI, following the successful AI Impact Summit held in India in February 2026. The ministers noted that while AI offers immense growth opportunities, international cooperation is essential to mitigate risks such as job displacement and inequality.
Sustainability and Future Leadership
The ministers recognized the success of COP30 hosted by Brazil in 2025 and expressed support for Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32. They also acknowledged the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, a mechanism designed to provide long-term financing for forest conservation.
As the meeting concluded, the ministers expressed full support for the upcoming XVIII BRICS Summit in New Delhi and announced that China will take over the BRICS Chairship in 2027.
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