Jaishankar received Araghchi at Bharat Mandapam ahead of the ministerial sessions. Foreign ministers from Russia, Iran, Indonesia and other BRICS nations also gathered for an official family photograph during the summit proceedings.
Addressing the meeting, Jaishankar stressed the importance of coordination among BRICS members at a time of growing geopolitical instability.
“As Chair, I thank each delegation for their presence and for their continued commitment to strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework. All of us remain in close and regular contact through bilateral and multilateral engagements,” Jaishankar said.
“Gathering today for the BRICS meeting is a special occasion. It allows us to exchange perspectives and encourages us to develop convergences. In this complicated and uncertain world, that is of ever-greater importance,” he added.
Focus on development, security and supply chains
Jaishankar also highlighted concerns over ongoing conflicts, trade disruptions and climate challenges.
“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations, ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade and technology and climate are shaping the global landscape,” he said.
He further said that BRICS was expected to play a “constructive and stabilising role”, especially for emerging markets and developing countries facing difficulties related to energy, food, fertiliser and health security.
The minister underlined the need for resilient supply chains and diversified markets while reiterating that climate action should be guided by “principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities”.
On security issues, Jaishankar said, “Peace and security remain central to the global order. Recent conflicts only underline the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. There is also a deeply shared interest in strengthening cooperation against terrorism.”
Iran’s visit amid West Asia tensions
Araghchi’s three-day India visit marks the first high-level diplomatic engagement between India and Iran since the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict involving Iran more than two months ago.
The escalating situation in West Asia and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz are expected to dominate bilateral and multilateral discussions during the BRICS meeting.
India is likely to emphasise safe passage for merchant vessels through the crucial shipping route amid disruptions to global energy supplies.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on X (formerly Twitter) that Iran viewed BRICS as a platform for “genuine multilateralism” and reducing dependence on “discriminatory and unilateral mechanisms”.
BRICS, which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia, represents nearly half of the world’s population and around 40% of global GDP.
