Need for UNSC reform, no era of war: 7 things Jaishankar said at BRICS Summit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan on Thursday (October 24), sought reforms to “established institutions and mechanisms, especially the UN Security Council” and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message delivered repeatedly and even on Tuesday at the summit that this is not an era of war and disputes must be settled through dialogue and diplomacy.

Here are five key things Jaishankar said at the summit:

1. Old order changing but challenges remain

“We face the paradox that even as forces of change have advanced, some longstanding issues have only become more complex,” the foreign minister said at the summit.

“Nations that attained independence from colonialism have accelerated their development and socio-economic progress…. The BRICS itself is a statement of how profoundly the old order is changing,” he added.

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“At the same time, many inequities of the past also continue. In fact, they have assumed new forms and manifestations. We see that in the access to developmental resources and modern technology and efficiencies. Let us also recognize that the benefits of globalization have been very uneven. Adding to all that, the Covid pandemic and multiple conflicts have aggravated the burdens borne by the Global South. Concerns of health, food and fuel security are particularly acute.”

2. How to create a more equitable global order?

As the world faces the danger of falling significantly behind in realising sustainable development goals, Jaishankar suggested three measures. The first would be to strengthen and expand platforms of an independent nature, widen the choices in different domains, and minimise undue reliance on some. “This is really where BRICS can make a difference for the Global South,” he said.

3. Established institutions and mechanisms, such as UNSC, need reforms

For a more equitable world, established institutions and mechanisms, especially the UN Security Council, in both the permanent and the non-permanent categories, need reform, said Jaishankar.

“So too the multilateral development banks, whose working procedures are just as outdated as that of the UN,” he added. He said India had initiated an effort in this direction during its G20 Presidency and is glad to see Brazil take it forward.

India has long been demanding a permanent seat in the UNSC, whose current permanent members are the US, the UK, Russia, China, and France.

4. Need to create more production hubs

Jaishankar supported the creation of more production hubs to democratise the global economy. “The COVID experience is a sharp reminder of the need for more resilient and shorter supply chains,” he said, adding that every region legitimately aspires to create their own production capabilities to meet their essential needs.

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5. Need to correct distortions in global infrastructure

To care a more level-playing field for all countries and regions, distortions in global infrastructure — a colonial-era legacy — must be corrected, said Jaishankar. “The world urgently needs more connectivity options that enhance logistics and mitigate risks. This must be a collective endeavour for the common good, with the utmost respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said.

6. Need to share experiences and new initiatives

“India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, its Unified Payment Interface, the Gatishakti infrastructure — all hold a larger relevance,” said Jaishankar, highlighting the need to share experiences and new initiatives.

“The International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFE and the International Big Cat Alliance are similarly initiatives of common interest. As a First Responder, be it for natural calamities, health emergencies or economic crises, we seek to do our fair share,” he asserted.

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7. War is not the way

Referring to the wars in West Asia (Middle East) and Ukraine, Jaishankar said addressing conflicts effectively is a “particular need of the day”.

“Prime Minister Modi has emphasised that this is not an era of war. Disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue and diplomacy. Agreements, once reached, must be scrupulously respected. International law should be adhered to, without exception. And there should be zero tolerance for terrorism,” he said.

“The situation in…West Asia…is an understandable concern. There is a widespread anxiety that the conflict would spread further in the region. Maritime trade has also been deeply affected. The human and material consequences of further escalation are truly serious. Any approach has to be fair and durable, leading to a two-state solution,” Jaishankar added, reiterating India’s stand on the Palestine issue.

He ended his speech by saying, “We meet in difficult circumstances. The world must be prepared to think afresh on longstanding challenges. Our gathering is a message that we are indeed prepared to do so.”