India warmly embraced the inclusion of Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia into the BRICS, as their representatives participated in a significant meeting of the group organized by Russia for the first time. Led by senior diplomat Dammu Ravi, the Indian delegation attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Nizhny Novgorod, western Russia.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, made a post on X saying, “A significant meeting in the format of an expanded BRICS family. India wholeheartedly welcomes the new membership.”

Under normal circumstances, the External Affairs minister would go to these meetings. However, S. Jaishankar, who was recently reappointed afresh after the swear-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, could not attend this meeting in Russia. The joint statement released after the meeting emphasized that BRICS foreign ministers remain dedicated to enhancing the BRICS Strategic Partnership across three key areas: risk and security; economic and financial; and cultural and educational cooperation.

BRICS
Image Source: Geopolitical Monitor

All the ministers reassured their commitment to multilateralism and cooperation with regards to the support of international law based on principles set in the United Nations Charter. As the UNSS, they noted the importance of the UN as the centerpiece of an international system in which sovereign states work together to maintain international peace and security, advance sustainable development, and protect democracy, human rights, and individual freedoms for everyone.These include their support for a complete reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to make it a more democratic, representative, relevant, and efficient organ.

They also reflected on the importance of the G20 framework in promoting cooperation in the global economy. They approved the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 by the G20 New Delhi Summit, commitment to the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, and support for India, Brazil, and South Africa’s 2023–2025 G20 Presidency. As for the presidencies under debate, these scholars stressed the prospects of regulation of international imbalances and the challenges of new economic inequalities, emphasizing the further continuity of cooperation and effectiveness of these initiatives.

The ministers also shared their concern over the on-going wars across the globe; they assured commitment and determination in ensuring that such issues are solved diplomatically through peaceful negotiations, dialogue, and cooperation. They also backed measures that encouraged nonviolent protest in dealing with a crisis. Besides, they spoke about each country’s stance on the Ukraine escalations, noting and appreciating the intentions of mediation in attempts to find a diplomatic way to end the war.

BRICS Ministers Raise Concerns Over Palestinian Territory Violence

Ministers of the BRICS countries described the situation as increasingly concerning and called attention to the severe violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in Gaza, due to the effects of the Israeli armed forces. They called on compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2728 for an immediate and lasting cease-fire. They also wanted the unlawful detention of hostages and civilians to be stopped and they to be set free immediately. It also pointed out increasing concern over Israel’s attacks on Rafah.

The ministers reiterated this point by rejecting any attempts to transfer the Palestinians off their ancestral lands. They also reaffirmed their support for Palestine’s full UN membership and undying support for a two-state solution according to international law with regards to the UN resolution and the API. This solution aims to come up with an independent, sovereign, and sustainable state of Palestine to which the part of Jerusalem can be allocated for it to become its part, as well as occupy a safer space where both Palestine and Israel can exist as separate nations or states that can peacefully coexist and call for security.

The ministers also emphasized the need for quick actions towards finding a political settlement of the situation in Afghanistan, which can positively impact the security situation in the region. This was a very emotive subject, and they categorically rejected any form of terrorism as being criminal and unlawful, irrespective of the reasons or whoever the perpetrators are.

The ministers highlighted the importance of enhancing mechanisms to counter the growing use of emerging technologies like the Internet and social media by terrorists and their supporters. They urged full implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement. Additionally, they rejected unilateral protectionist actions that disrupt global supply chains and distort fair competition.

Russia assumed the year-long chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2024, initiating a presidency that includes over 250 different events. The highlight of this presidency will be a BRICS summit scheduled for October 2024 in Kazan, according to Russia's official TASS news agency.

You might also be interested in - Pakistan ready to enter BRICS? Seeks support under Russian leadership