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BRICS Supportive of UN Reform, Not Alternative: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that BRICS functions as a complementary grouping that backs the United Nations rather than positioning itself as a rival body. He emphasized that smaller multilateral forums are committed to strengthening the UN's role in global governance.

LSN India · 26 September 2026

BRICS Supportive of UN Reform, Not Alternative: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has dismissed perceptions that BRICS operates as an alternative or competitor to the United Nations, asserting instead that the bloc remains fundamentally supportive of the world body's mandate and objectives.

Addressing concerns about the proliferation of regional groupings, Jaishankar underscored that organizations like BRICS are not designed to supplant established international institutions but rather to complement existing frameworks. He characterized such groupings as platforms that advocate for necessary reforms within the UN system itself.

The minister's remarks come amid growing discourse around the role of emerging-market coalitions in shaping global policy. Jaishankar stressed that BRICS members are collectively invested in strengthening multilateralism and enhancing the UN's effectiveness, particularly in addressing challenges that the organization's current structure may not adequately tackle.

His statement reflects India's approach to balancing participation in multiple forums while maintaining commitment to international institutions. The clarification signals that India views BRICS as a mechanism to push for reforms that make the UN more representative and responsive to contemporary global realities, rather than as a vehicle for circumventing the organization.