Jaishankar Flags Middle East Conflicts, UNSC Reforms At BRICS: 'Rising Global Anxiety'

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the 16th BRICS Summit in the BRICS Plus format, highlighted the global concerns regarding the ongoing Middle East conflicts and emphasised the need for UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms.

The summit was held in Kazan, Russia.

Photo Credit: PTI

During his address, Jaishankar expressed the widespread anxiety surrounding the Middle East conflict, noting the growing fear that it could escalate further in the region. He called for a balanced and lasting resolution to the crisis, advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's position on international disputes, stressing that this "is not an era of war." Jaishankar called for settling disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, underscoring the importance of respecting agreements and adhering to international law.

He also highlighted the significant impact of the Middle East conflict on maritime trade and warned of the serious human and material consequences of further escalation.

Jaishankar outlined five key measures to create a more equitable global order, with BRICS playing a pivotal role in supporting the Global South:

1. Strengthening independent global platforms to reduce over-reliance on those that can be exploited.
2. Reforming established institutions, particularly the UN Security Council and multilateral development banks, to better reflect current global realities.
3. Democratising the global economy by establishing more production hubs worldwide.
4. Correcting historical distortions in global infrastructure, which are legacies of colonialism, by promoting connectivity that respects territorial integrity.
5. Sharing experiences and launching new initiatives for collective global development.

Jaishankar emphasised the importance of multilateral cooperation and noted that while forces of change are progressing, long-standing global issues are becoming more complex. He pointed out the rise of economic, political, and cultural multipolarity as a key trend shaping the world's future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the BRICS summit, reaffirming India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. He stressed the importance of global cooperation in areas like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, ensuring a safe and prosperous future for the coming generations.