In a significant development, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a compelling call to action to the BRICS nations on Thursday. During his address, he urged these countries to demonstrate their sincerity and commitment towards the much-needed reform of multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
India, a prominent member of the UN, has consistently been at the forefront of efforts to push for urgent and long-pending reforms of the Security Council. The current structure of the UNSC, which was established in the aftermath of World War II, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities and power dynamics of the modern world. This lack of representation and outdated composition has led to a growing demand for reform to make the Council more inclusive, representative, and effective in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Minister Jaishankar highlighted that the need for reforming the UNSC has become even more pressing in the face of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, terrorism, and conflicts that threaten global peace and security. These challenges require a coordinated and collaborative response from the international community, which can only be achieved through comprehensive reforms of multilateral institutions.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that the BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, possess the collective strength and influence to drive meaningful change in the global order. Individually and collectively, these countries have emerged as significant players in the global arena, representing diverse regional perspectives and contributing significantly to global economic growth and development.
India, in particular, has been an advocate for a permanent seat on the UNSC, given its status as the world’s largest democracy, its growing economic influence, and its commitment to upholding international peace and security. However, Minister Jaishankar emphasized that the objective of reforming the Security Council is not solely about India’s aspiration for a seat but about creating a more equitable and representative global governance system.
The call for reform is not new, as various countries and regional blocs have voiced their support for an inclusive and representative Security Council. However, progress has been slow and hindered by competing interests and differing viewpoints. Minister Jaishankar highlighted that the BRICS nations must unite and collectively articulate their vision for reform, demonstrating their sincerity and determination to address the long-standing deficiencies in the current system.
The Minister also emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the reform process. He urged the BRICS nations to foster a constructive dialogue with other member states and stakeholders, including engaging with countries that may have reservations or differing perspectives on the proposed reforms. By engaging in open and meaningful discussions, the BRICS countries can bridge the gaps and build consensus on the way forward.
Moreover, Minister Jaishankar underscored that the reform of multilateral institutions extends beyond the Security Council. It also encompasses other vital institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organization (WTO). These institutions need to reflect the changing global economic landscape and provide fair and equitable representation to emerging economies, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are protected.
India’s External Affairs Minister’s call to action for the BRICS nations to demonstrate their sincerity in reforming multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, signifies a crucial step towards a more inclusive and representative global governance system. By collectively advocating for reforms, engaging in constructive dialogue, and emphasizing transparency and fairness, the BRICS nations can contribute to reshaping the international order, ensuring that it is better equipped to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.