Modi Engages BRICS FMs: Focus on Global Peace, Tech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi with bilateral and multilateral huddles, reinforcing India's leadership in the Global South. The Ministry of External Affairs had flagged these interactions well in advance, building anticipation for high-level diplomacy. A collective meeting unfolded at Sewa Tirth, where Modi exchanged views with the foreign ministers. Later, EAM S. Jaishankar will host a grand reception at Bharat Mandapam at 7 PM, blending tradition with strategic talks. Thursday saw arrivals like Iran's Seyed Abbas Araghchi, joining a warmly received gathering at Bharat Mandapam. Jaishankar, at the helm, articulated India's positions on pressing world matters. He opened with a stark reminder: global peace and security are non-negotiable pillars. Conflicts of late have amplified the value of negotiation over confrontation. Amid uncertainty, conversations must uphold equity and tailored responsibilities to propel sustainable progress. Jaishankar spotlighted technological advancements reshaping geopolitics, advocating their harness for transparent governance and broad-based development. Anti-terrorism unity emerged as a common thread binding nations. Maritime security took center stage, with references to Hormuz Strait and Red Sea tensions. Blockages here risk global economic ripples, making seamless sea trade vital for stability. Hosted by India, the event's theme—'Building Resilience, Innovation, Collaboration for Sustainable Development'—echoes Modi's ethos of humanity first. Key attendees: Brazil's Mauro Vieira, Russia's Sergey Lavrov, Iran's Araghchi, Indonesia's Sugiono, Malaysia's Mohammad bin Haji Hassan, UAE's Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, South Africa's Ronald Lamola, plus more. Day two brings a BRICS@20 special session and deliberations on reforming global governance, aiming to reshape multilateralism for the future.