Statement by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar on BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability (May 14, 2026)

Distinguished Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to welcome all of you to this session on 'BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability'. We have brought together both BRICS members and partner countries. In gathering here, taking into account the experience of 20 years, we deliberate on the nature of our cooperation and its future directions. The presence of partner countries has added value to our collective efforts and deepened our engagement. By leveraging our collective strengths, we can build a more robust, agile and adaptive BRICS framework.

Colleagues,

Over the years, BRICS has grown both in scale and in relevance, reflecting the aspirations of emerging markets and developing economies for a more balanced and inclusive international order. BRICS has expanded its agenda and membership in response to changing global realities, while remaining focused on people-centric development and practical cooperation.

The journey of BRICS over two decades has been eventful. Institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement demonstrate our ability to create credible alternatives. Our cooperation spans diverse areas from digital, information and agriculture to health, energy, and innovation.

Excellencies,

India's own approach is guided by a desire to make BRICS more people-centric. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared, we see BRICS as "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability," with a clear focus on 'Humanity First' and on the priorities of the Global South.

In this spirit, our four priorities; Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability; each provide a practical framework for engagement, including with partner countries.

First, resilience. We are working to strengthen supply chains, diversify markets, improve early warning systems, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. Initiatives such as digital integration for social welfare reflect a strong focus on people's well-being.

Second, innovation. Initiatives such as the BRICS Incubator Network, the Science and Research Repository, and the Youth Startup Platform aim to strengthen innovation ecosystems and expand opportunities.

Third, cooperation. Initiatives such as the BRICS MSME Connect Portal, the Trade Receivables Discounting System, and partnerships in agriculture and health will deliver tangible outcomes.

Fourth, sustainability. Our focus is on climate action, clean energy, and sustainable growth pathways.

Excellencies,

The world has changed. And BRICS must move on, move beyond being a forum for discussion and become a platform for delivery. Our relevance will depend on outcomes, not just on intent. The more we connect with our societies and their aspirations, the greater will be the value of BRICS.

India reaffirms its commitment to strengthening BRICS in line with principles of international understanding, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, full consultation, and consensus.

Excellencies, the independence and diversity of BRICS is its real strength. We are perceived globally as a force seeking change and reform. We are the very embodiment of multi-polarity. In a world that is focused on de-risking and diversifying, we offer more options. Our approach to international relations is one based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. This has been the spirit not only of our closed session but also of many bilaterals on the side lines. Our very meeting sends out this message. So, I thank all of you for your presence here today, for your participation and will now invite you to deliver your remarks.