New Delhi : External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the growing relevance of BRICS as a platform for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability during the session titled ‘BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability’, attended by BRICS members and partner countries.
Dr. Jaishankar was addressing BRICS Foreign Minister’s Summit 2026 in New delhi. He said that BRICS derives its strength from its independence and diversity and is increasingly viewed as a platform advocating change and reform in the evolving global order. He noted that BRICS embodies the spirit of multipolarity while offering countries opportunities for de-risking, diversification, mutual respect and sovereign equality.
The External Affairs Minister stated that BRICS has continuously expanded both its agenda and membership in response to changing global realities while remaining focused on people-centric development and practical cooperation. He added that institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement demonstrate the grouping’s ability to build credible alternatives within the international system.
Highlighting India’s priorities during its BRICS Chairship, Dr. Jaishankar said India is working towards making BRICS more robust, agile, adaptive and people-centric, with a strong focus on the priorities of the Global South.
He said efforts are being undertaken to strengthen supply chains, diversify markets, improve early warning systems, develop climate-resilient infrastructure and expand digital integration for social welfare in order to enhance resilience among member nations.
On innovation, Dr. Jaishankar referred to initiatives such as the BRICS Incubator Network, the Science and Research Repository and the Youth Startup Platform aimed at promoting collaboration in research, technology and entrepreneurship.
He also highlighted measures to deepen cooperation through the BRICS MSME Connect Portal, the Trade Receivables Discounting System, and partnerships in sectors such as agriculture and health.
Emphasising sustainability, the Minister said BRICS continues to focus on climate action, clean energy and sustainable growth pathways to support long-term development goals.
Dr. Jaishankar expressed confidence that these collective efforts would strengthen BRICS in line with the principles of international understanding, solidarity, inclusiveness, openness, consultation and consensus.