Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hosted foreign ministers from BRICS nations in New Delhi as India began chairing a crucial two-day conclave of the influential global grouping ahead of its annual summit scheduled for September. The meeting brought together senior diplomatic representatives from several major emerging economies at a time when geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns, and global trade uncertainties continue to dominate international discussions. The high-level gathering is being viewed as significant due to the bloc’s expanding influence in shaping economic and strategic cooperation among developing nations.

The visiting dignitaries who jointly called on Prime Minister Modi included Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, Indonesia’s Sugiono, and South Africa’s Ronald Lamola. The leaders discussed a range of issues linked to economic cooperation, geopolitical stability, and multilateral coordination among BRICS member countries. India, which currently holds the chairmanship of the grouping, is expected to play a central role in steering deliberations on global governance reforms and collective responses to ongoing international crises.

The BRICS conclave assumes greater importance against the backdrop of continuing instability in West Asia, disruptions in global energy supplies, and uncertainty surrounding trade and tariff policies of major global powers. The grouping is also expected to deliberate on challenges linked to supply chains, inflationary pressures, and broader economic recovery efforts affecting both emerging and developed economies. Analysts view the meeting as an opportunity for BRICS countries to strengthen coordination on issues affecting the Global South while enhancing their collective bargaining power in international forums.

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Addressing the inaugural session of the conclave, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in maintaining international peace and stability. He stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable solutions for resolving conflicts and reducing tensions in volatile regions. Jaishankar also reiterated India’s willingness to contribute constructively towards de-escalation efforts and initiatives aimed at restoring stability in conflict-hit areas. His remarks reflected India’s broader push for peaceful resolution of disputes through multilateral engagement and adherence to international law.

Jaishankar further underlined the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted maritime trade flows through critical global shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. He expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and stressed the need to protect civilians and avoid attacks on public infrastructure. The minister noted that peace cannot be pursued selectively and called for a balanced approach that upholds humanitarian principles alongside security considerations. His statements highlighted India’s increasing diplomatic engagement on global crises affecting energy and trade networks.

Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS grouping expanded significantly in recent years with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024, followed by Indonesia in 2025. The bloc now represents nearly half of the world’s population, around 40 percent of global GDP, and roughly a quarter of global trade. With its growing economic and political influence, BRICS has emerged as a major platform for cooperation among emerging economies seeking greater representation in global institutions and a stronger voice in international policymaking.

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