The BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting was held virtually on June 1, 2021, under India’s chairmanship. This meeting brought together the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations from the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

Host and Format

India, as the BRICS chair for 2021, hosted the virtual meeting. The theme for India’s BRICS Chairship in 2021 was “BRICS@15: Intra BRICS Cooperation for Continuity, Consolidation and Consensus.”

Participants

The meeting was attended by:
– Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India (Chair)
– Mr. Carlos Alberto Franco França, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil
– Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
– Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China
– Dr. Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa

Key Discussion Points

1. COVID-19 Response: Ministers discussed the ongoing pandemic and ways to cooperate in combating its effects.

2. Global Governance Reform: Discussions included the need for reforms in multilateral systems, including the UN Security Council.

3. Sustainable Development: Focus on achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Counterterrorism: Cooperation in combating terrorism and its financing.

5. Economic Recovery: Strategies for post-pandemic economic recovery and strengthening intra-BRICS trade.

6. Technology and Innovation: Enhancing cooperation in areas like digital economy, artificial intelligence, and 5G.

7. Climate Change: Addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Outcomes and Joint Statement

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement, which typically covers:

1. Affirmation of commitment to multilateralism and international law.
2. Support for UN-centered international system.
3. Call for comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council.
4. Commitment to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
5. Support for WTO-centered multilateral trading system.
6. Commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms.

Significance

1. Pandemic Cooperation: The meeting provided a platform for coordinating responses to the ongoing global health crisis.

2. Geopolitical Alignment: It allowed BRICS nations to align their positions on various global issues.

3. Economic Collaboration: Discussions on post-pandemic economic recovery strategies were crucial for these major emerging economies.

4. Preparation for Summit: The Foreign Ministers’ meeting also served as a preparatory step for the annual BRICS Summit later in the year.

5. India’s Leadership: As the chair, this meeting showcased India’s role in shaping the BRICS agenda for 2021.