New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday warned that the state of the world is a “cause for genuine concern” and criticised the multilateral system for failing to address pressing global challenges. Speaking at a virtual BRICS Leaders meeting, he said, “so many serious stresses are being left unaddressed” and that this “is having consequencess for the global order itself.”

Jaishankar represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the summit convened by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, which saw participation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and several other leaders of the grouping.

Global trade and economic fairness

The minister emphasised the need for “constructive and cooperative approaches to promote trade that is sustainable.” He noted, “Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to non-trade matters.”

Pointing to India’s trade challenges, he said, “Where India is concerned, some of our biggest deficits are with BRICS partners and we have been pressing for expeditious solutions. We hope that this realisation will be part of the takeaways from today’s meeting.”

Jaishankar highlighted that the international trading system should remain “open, fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, inclusive, equitable and a rules-based approach with Special and Differential Treatment for developing countries.” He added, “India strongly believes that this should be protected and nurtured.”

Challenges confronting the global order

Listing recent global crises, he noted: “The last few years have witnessed the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic, major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East/West Asia, volatility in trade and investment flows, extreme climate events and a discernible slowing down of the SDG Agenda.”

He added, “In the face of these challenges, the multilateral system appears to be failing the world. That so many serious stresses are being left unaddressed is understandably having consequences for the global order itself. It is this cumulative concern that the BRICS is now discussing.”

Resilient supply chains and decentralised production

Jaishankar stressed the importance of economic resilience, stating, “When there are multiple disruptions, our objective should be to proof it against such shocks. That means creating more resilient, reliable, redundant and shorter supply chains. It is also essential that we democratise manufacturing and production and encourage their growth in different geographies.”

Food, energy and fertiliser security

He highlighted deteriorating conditions in the Global South, saying, “Where shipping is targeted, not just trade but livelihoods also suffer. A selective protection cannot be a global answer. An early end to the hostilities and undertaking diplomacy to ensure a durable solution is the obvious pathway before us.”

Climate action and initiatives

Warning that “both climate action and climate justice are currently slipping in global priorities,” Jaishankar commended global initiatives, adding, “We need new thinking and initiatives as well. I commend the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Bio-fuels Alliance for your consideration.”

Reforms in international organisations

He underscored the urgency of reforming institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, stating, “On key issues, we have unfortunately seen that gridlocks have undermined the search for common ground. These experiences have only made the case for reformed multilateralism generally, and that of the United Nations and its Security Council specifically, more urgent.”