BRICS 2026: India flags concern over West Asia conflict, says safe, unimpeded maritime flows ‘vital’
During high-level discussions, EAM Jaishankar emphasised the need for effective responses to energy, food, and health security challenges, safe maritime flows, and securing supply chains.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday raised concerns about the West Asia crisis and its impact on energy supplies and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, calling on BRICS countries to find practical solutions to deal with rising geopolitical instability and what he described as unilateral coercive measures.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day BRICS meeting in New Delhi, he emphasised that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity should guide international relations, adding that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable way to resolve conflicts, without naming any specific country.
Jaishankar highlighted the severe global impact on emerging markets and developing nations, noting that the world is currently “increasingly complicated and uncertain”.
In a post on X detailing the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, the minister stated that he was "Pleased to welcome my colleagues at #BRICSIndia2026 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi today". He observed that the gathering occurs at a critical juncture, noting, “We are meeting at a time when the world is increasingly complicated and uncertain, with severe impacts on emerging markets and developing countries.”
Jaishankar said India stands ready to contribute constructively towards de-escalation efforts and to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability while noting that "peace cannot be piecemeal" and “it is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure”.
The external affairs minister said safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.
During the high-level discussions, the EAM underlined the need for a "more effective response to challenges to energy, food, fertiliser and health security". He also stressed the importance of “unimpeded and safe maritime flows through international waterways, vital for global economic well-being”.
Focusing on global stability, Jaishankar called for "securing reliable supply chains and diversified markets for economic resilience" and "addressing climate change while upholding principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities".
He further advocated for “leveraging technology for good governance and inclusive growth, while addressing concerns of trust, transparency and equitable access”.
Addressing geopolitical tensions, he emphasised "addressing challenges to international peace and security through dialogue and diplomacy, and stronger cooperation against terrorism". He notably pushed for “reformed multilateralism, including reform of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories”.
Affirming India's commitment to the bloc, the minister noted that the "#IndiaBRICSChairship is geared towards building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability". He expressed his confidence that the “#BRICSIndia2026 discussions will be useful towards achieving a more stable, equitable and inclusive international order”.
Serving as the foundation of India’s 2026 BRICS presidency, the two-day summit on 14–15 May is expected to set the strategic direction for the upcoming Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. It marks the first major ministerial meeting under India’s current chairship, bringing member nations together for high-level discussions with wider global implications.
Meanwhile, the capital has seen intense diplomatic activity, with the External Affairs Minister holding a series of back-to-back bilateral meetings on the sidelines. Representatives from countries such as Russia, China, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Iran, and the Maldives took part in the talks, underscoring the broad scope and intensity of engagement at the summit.
The momentum is likely to continue on Friday as ministerial meetings proceed, allowing for more in-depth discussions and additional bilateral engagements. These concluding sessions are expected to reinforce the cooperative frameworks built over the week before the visiting delegates wrap up their visit to the Indian capital.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Mausam Jha is a journalist who focuses on world affairs and politics. She provides clear, informative reporting with a good understanding of both global events and their local impact. <br><br> Her clear, accessible reporting on political and international issues makes her a trusted source of news and analysis. <br><br> For the past three years, Mausam has worked with Mint, covering national politics, IR—including elections—and global affairs.<br> Before joining her current role, she gained experience working with The Statesman, ANI, and Financial Express, where she honed her skills in political and international news. <br><br> She has consistently tracked key electoral battles, including US elections, Japan elections, policy debates, and strategic affairs, explaining how global currents, from great power competition to regional conflicts <br><br> Beyond journalism, Mausam has a deep engagement with international relations, diplomacy, war studies, terrorism, political history, and political theory. She is particularly interested in the intersection of statecraft and society on how governance, ideology, and institutions shape lived realities, and how politics shape today's world order. <br><br> An avid reader of classical literature and political thought, she constantly explores the connections between historical ideas and contemporary policy challenges.
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