At the BRICS Summit, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar articulated a compelling vision for a shifting global landscape, describing the BRICS bloc as a "statement" of the evolving world order. Addressing the leaders gathered at the summit, he underscored the need for stronger, independent platforms that could provide equal opportunities for development to the nations of the Global South, emphasizing that the current structures still favor the Global North. Jaishankar's remarks come amid growing calls from developing countries for a more balanced and inclusive approach to global governance.
Jaishankar argued that the existing world order has allowed uneven benefits of globalization to persist, perpetuating significant disparities in development between the Global North and Global South. "The inequities we see today are deeply rooted in an unfair system that continues to allocate the lion's share of wealth and opportunity to a few," he remarked, stressing that BRICS stands as a powerful counterpoint to this dominance, advocating for a shift toward a more equitable global framework.
To promote a multipolar world, the Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of reforming international institutions, democratizing economic opportunities, and diversifying production hubs. He noted that the current global economy's power concentration has led to limited industrial and technological growth in developing regions, effectively stifling their potential. "A truly multipolar world demands democratized economic structures and the establishment of new production hubs across continents," Jaishankar said. He further pointed out that the Global South's aspirations cannot be realized without a fundamental overhaul of the global economic architecture.
Jaishankar also addressed the persistent impact of colonial-era infrastructure that still shapes the connectivity and trade routes of many developing nations. He called for modernizing these outdated systems to foster better economic integration and growth. "We cannot build a prosperous future on the back of infrastructure designed for another era. It is time to replace colonial legacies with modern networks that link our economies seamlessly," he stated.
His speech came in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meetings with various leaders at the summit, which focused on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships and expanding its role on the world stage. Jaishankar’s call for reform resonated with the broader agenda of the BRICS leaders, who collectively approved a summit communique promoting a multipolar world order and calling for greater representation of emerging economies in international bodies like the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.
The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has long advocated for the interests of emerging economies, positioning itself as a counterweight to the traditionally Western-dominated global governance structures. This year's summit has reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for reforms that would not only benefit BRICS members but also extend to other developing nations striving for a fairer share of global economic power.
The communique endorsed by BRICS leaders marks a significant step in their efforts to reshape global governance and promote inclusive development. It reflects the bloc's growing influence in driving international discourse towards a world order that embraces diverse voices and respects the aspirations of all nations. As emerging economies continue to challenge the status quo, the call for a multipolar world is not only a demand for fairness but also a recognition of the shifting balance of power in the 21st century.
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