It’s not BRICS or UN, BRICS is supportive of UN: Jaishankar

New Delhi – In a candid interview on Tuesday, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar reiterated that the bloc of emerging economies known as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa) is not intended to serve as an alternative to the United Nations, but rather as a supportive platform that can help drive reforms within the UN system. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, the minister emphasized that smaller, more agile groupings such as BRICS are “instrumental in articulating the concerns of the Global South” and can act as catalysts for change in multilateral institutions that have struggled to keep pace with shifting geopolitical realities.Jaishankar’s remarks came amid heightened speculation in diplomatic circles about the future role of BRICS, especially after the bloc’s recent expansion to include six new members – Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Critics have warned that the enlarged grouping could evolve into a rival power centre, challenging the authority of the United Nations and its specialized agencies..

The minister dismissed such concerns, stating that the purpose of the expansion is to broaden the dialogue on global governance, not to undermine existing institutions. “Our objective is to strengthen the multilateral architecture, not to create a parallel one,” he said.The minister highlighted the UN’s centrality in addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health and sustainable development, noting that the organization remains the only forum where virtually every nation can engage on equal footing. He pointed to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a shared roadmap that requires collective effort and highlighted India’s commitment to the agenda through its own domestic initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the G20’s emphasis on green finance..

“The aspirations of the BRICS nations are aligned with the UN’s vision of an inclusive, resilient world order,” Jaishankar added.When asked about the specific reforms the BRICS grouping could champion within the UN, the minister cited the need for a more representative Security Council, a streamlined decision‑making process in the General Assembly, and greater funding for peace‑keeping operations. He argued that the current composition of the Security Council, which reflects the post‑World War II power structure, is increasingly out of step with the geopolitical weight of emerging economies. “A reformed Security Council would better reflect the realities of today’s world and enhance the legitimacy of the UN’s most critical organ,” he said.Jaishankar also underscored the importance of enhancing the UN’s capacity to respond swiftly to crises, drawing on lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine..

He called for a “more robust early warning and rapid response mechanism” that could be coordinated through a network of regional groups, including BRICS, to complement the UN’s existing structures. The minister suggested that BRICS could act as a conduit for sharing best practices, technical expertise and resources among its members, thereby augmenting the UN’s own capabilities.The minister’s comments were welcomed by several diplomats who view the BRICS platform as a constructive complement to the UN rather than a competing entity. A senior official from the European Union’s External Action Service, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the EU sees “value in any initiative that seeks to make the United Nations more effective, more democratic and more responsive to the needs of all its members.” The official added that the EU remains committed to working with both BRICS and the UN to address global challenges that no single country can solve alone.Nevertheless, some analysts caution that the divergent interests of BRICS members could pose challenges to a unified push for UN reform..

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, for instance, has strained relations within the bloc and raised questions about the group’s ability to present a cohesive stance on security issues. Meanwhile, China’s growing influence in international institutions has prompted concerns about potential attempts to reshape the UN’s agenda to suit its strategic priorities. Jaishankar acknowledged these complexities but emphasized that “dialogue and consensus‑building are the hallmarks of multilateralism, and they remain at the core of our approach.”In response to queries about the potential impact of the BRICS expansion on the UN’s budgetary contributions, the minister clarified that the new members are expected to honor their existing financial commitments to the UN and its agencies..

He noted that many of the incoming countries have already increased their contributions to UN peace‑keeping and development programmes in recent years. “The financial health of the UN is a shared responsibility,” Jaishankar said, “and expanding the BRICS family does not diminish that responsibility; it reinforces it.”Looking ahead, Jaishankar outlined a roadmap for enhanced cooperation between BRICS and the United Nations. He announced the formation of a joint working group that will convene quarterly to identify specific reform proposals, monitor progress and facilitate information exchange..

The group will be co‑chaired by senior officials from the UN ariat and the BRICS ariat, and will include representation from civil society and academia to ensure a broad spectrum of perspectives. The minister expressed optimism that this mechanism will “translate our collective aspirations into concrete actions.”As the debate over the future of global governance continues, the minister’s statements signal a clear intent from New Delhi to position India as a bridge between emerging economies and established multilateral institutions. By framing BRICS as a supportive rather than a rival force, Jaishankar aims to reinforce the narrative that a reformed United Nations, bolstered by constructive engagement from regional groupings, can better address the pressing challenges of the twenty‑first century..

The international community will be watching closely to see whether the proposed reforms gain traction and whether the BRICS‑UN partnership can deliver the promised dividends of a more inclusive, effective, and resilient global order..