What UN Reforms Did Jaishankar Propose at the BRICS Meeting?

UN reforms took center stage at a Saturday meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers in New York, with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling for comprehensive updates to the world body during talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Jaishankar described BRICS as a “voice of reason and constructive change,” urging the bloc to reinforce peacebuilding, dialogue, and adherence to international law as global multilateralism faces stress.

The latest meeting comes just months before India assumes the BRICS chair in 2026, with Jaishankar framing the bloc as critical for reforming key international institutions.

He emphasized urgent defense of the multilateral trading system amid rising protectionism, tariff volatility, and non-tariff barriers.

Why did UN reforms dominate the BRICS meeting?

Institutional reform, especially of the UN Security Council, topped the agenda as Jaishankar urged BRICS to “amplify its collective call” for a more representative global governance system.

The current council reflects post-World War II power dynamics, and Jaishankar argued for a system that better reflects today’s realities: diverse nations and new regional leaders must have a larger voice.

The push aligns with long-standing demands for broader participation by the Global South, including African, Latin American, and Asian nations who often lack permanent seats or meaningful veto power in the UN’s key decision-making platform.

Did you know?
BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and in 2025 welcomed Indonesia, deepening Global South representation.

What institutional changes are on the table?

Beyond the Security Council, BRICS convened to support reform of other principal organs of the UN, advocating inclusive decision rules, transparency, and accountability as the world faces geopolitical turbulence.

Jaishankar’s call for “comprehensive” reform includes more rotating seats, greater representation for emerging economies, and oversight reforms to ensure credible, actionable outcomes in times of crisis.

BRICS also made it a priority to defend the multilateral trading system from disruptive protectionist trends, emphasizing technology and innovation as key factors in fostering sustainable global growth.

How is India preparing for the 2026 BRICS chair?

Jaishankar announced plans to center India’s BRICS leadership around food and energy security, climate action, digital transformation, startups, and strong development partnerships.

He identified innovation and inclusion as keystones for India’s 2026 agenda, reaffirming the country’s intent to build bridges between established powers and the Global South.

The Foreign Minister’s remarks reflect India’s view that dynamic, tech-driven solutions will help BRICS address the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to economic development and pandemic recovery.

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What were the main takeaways from the IBSA and CELAC side meetings?

Jaishankar also chaired the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Foreign Ministers meeting, which echoed calls for UNSC transformation and sustainable development partnerships.

Alongside Colombian FM Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio at the India-CELAC meeting, Jaishankar championed deeper cooperation in agriculture, trade, health, and new areas like artificial intelligence and critical minerals, all underpinned by stronger multilateral institutions.

Both gatherings underscored the urgency for UN and global system reforms to give emerging markets and developing states more balanced representation and influence.

Will BRICS shape future global governance?

BRICS, now expanded to include over nine members, positions itself as an alternative platform where Global South nations can push for institutional change.

India’s leadership ambition, as outlined by Jaishankar, seeks to unite voices around peace, dialogue, and innovative solutions for a fairer world system.

As the bloc moves toward its 2026 chairmanship, the effectiveness of these reform efforts will be measured by outcomes at future UN sessions and how the new BRICS lineup influences debates about the future of world governance.