At the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a strong statement about the shifting global power dynamics. Speaking on behalf of India, Jaishankar emphasized how BRICS symbolizes the transformation of the world order and highlighted the critical role of nations that gained independence from colonial rule in driving economic and social progress.

“BRICS itself is a statement of how profoundly the old order is changing,” Jaishankar remarked, underscoring the global rebalancing of political, economic, and cultural power. He noted the steady diversification of production and consumption, which has helped newly independent nations develop their talents and capabilities. This, he said, is a sign that the world is moving toward true multi-polarity.

Jaishankar laid out five key areas where BRICS can lead the way in creating a more equitable global order:

1. Strengthening Independent Platforms: Jaishankar stressed the importance of building independent platforms that reduce reliance on established powers, which can be manipulated. He believes BRICS plays a crucial role in offering more choices to the Global South, empowering these nations to act independently.
2. Reforming Global Institutions: Calling for reforms in established global bodies like the United Nations Security Council and multilateral development banks, Jaishankar highlighted the need for modern, efficient structures that reflect the current global realities, a cause India promoted during its G20 presidency and Brazil is now advancing.
3. Democratizing the Global Economy: Jaishankar also urged the creation of more regional production hubs to build shorter, more resilient supply chains—a lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. This would allow regions to secure their essential needs without over-dependence on distant supply lines.
4. Addressing Colonial-Era Infrastructure Gaps: He called for the development of better global infrastructure that enhances connectivity and respects territorial integrity and sovereignty. This would help correct imbalances that persist from colonial times.
5. Sharing Innovations: Jaishankar pointed to India’s successes with digital public infrastructure, like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Gati Shakti, as examples of initiatives that can benefit other nations. He also mentioned India’s leadership in international alliances such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance.

The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, focused on strengthening multilateralism, addressing global security, promoting sustainable development, and advancing the concerns of the Global South. BRICS leaders also welcomed 13 new partner countries into the fold, further expanding the group’s influence on the world stage.

Jaishankar’s remarks reflect India’s growing voice in global forums, aiming to foster a more balanced and democratic world order that benefits all nations, especially those from the Global South.