Jaishankar unveils 5-point agenda for South-friendly world order

Kazan, Russia: Taking the lead in putting interests of the Global South in the forefront of the BRICS agenda, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled a five-point plan to shape a more equitable and balanced multipolar world.

Addressing the BRICS outreach session in Kazan on October 24, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made a compelling case for the Global South to seize the moment and reshape the world order.

Mr Jaishankar’s speech struck a chord with the leaders of developing countries in attendance as he laid out India’s vision for a multipolar world, where inequalities are addressed, and the aspirations of developing nations are finally realized.

“Even as forces of change have advanced, some longstanding issues have only become more complex,” Mr Jaishankar said, acknowledging the paradox of a rapidly changing world still mired in old challenges. He highlighted the growing diversification in production, consumption, and technological capabilities across nations. Countries once shackled by colonialism, he noted, have made remarkable strides in socio-economic progress. This shift, Jaishankar asserted, has driven the world toward a moment where “we can contemplate real multi-polarity.”

“The benefits of globalization have been very uneven…health, food, and fuel security are particularly acute.” The minister pointed to the global community’s struggle to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a concern underlined at the recent “Summit of the Future.”

Mr Jaishankar outlined a five-point roadmap to correct global imbalances. First on the list was expanding platforms of “an independent nature” to provide developing nations with more options. He emphasized that BRICS is uniquely positioned to minimize the “undue reliance” on systems and nations that can exert disproportionate influence, asserting, “This is really where BRICS can make a difference for the Global South.”

Another critical area of focus was the need for reforming global institutions, particularly the United Nations and multilateral development banks. The minister pointed out that their structures are “just as outdated” as those of the UN, making them ill-equipped to address contemporary issues. Citing India’s G20 presidency as an example of pushing for such reforms, he welcomed Brazil’s continuation of this effort, stating, “Reforming the UN Security Council, both in its permanent and non-permanent categories, is a pressing need.”

The third point centred around democratizing the global economy by creating new production hubs, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Jaishankar argued for the need for more resilient and regionally focused supply chains, stating that “every region legitimately aspires to create their own production capabilities” to avoid the vulnerabilities exposed by global supply chain disruptions.

Mr Jaishankar’s fourth call to action was for the correction of colonial-era global infrastructure. He advocated for more inclusive and diversified connectivity options, stressing the importance of “territorial integrity and sovereignty” in such endeavours. This collective effort, he said, would mitigate the risks and inequities left by outdated systems.

Finally, Mr Jaishankar underscored the importance of sharing experiences and initiatives. He highlighted India’s efforts such as its Digital Public Infrastructure and Unified Payments Interface as examples of scalable solutions with global relevance. He also mentioned India-led international institutions like the International Solar Alliance and Mission LiFE, which aim to address common global challenges through cooperation and innovation.

Alluding to the distressing situation in West Asia, Mr Jaishankar underlined widespread anxiety that the conflict could spill over further into the region, with significant consequences for maritime trade and human lives. Echoing PM Modi’s message, Mr Jaishankar reiterated that “this is not an era of war” and that diplomacy must take precedence in resolving disputes.

Mr Jaishankar expressed optimism that the challenges of today could be addressed through collective action and fresh thinking. “Our gathering is a message that we are indeed prepared to do so,” he concluded, urging the BRICS bloc to lead the charge in shaping a more equitable and inclusive world.

(Kartike Garg contributed inputs for this article)

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Manish Chand

Manish Chand is Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO/Director of TGII Media Private Limited, an India-based media, publishing, research and consultancy company.