Jaishankar Calls For Stronger BRICS, G20 Cooperation In Multipolar World, Reaffirms Commitment To Ties With Russia
For 2026, India is holding the chairmanship for the BRICS grouping, with the summit expected to take place later in the year. Image courtesy: RNA
Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia and a rapidly shifting global power balance, India has made a strong pitch for deeper cooperation among major multilateral forums such as BRICS, G20, SCO, and the United Nations. With this, India also stressed on stronger ties with Russia with both sides committed to boosting present annual trade from $100 billion by 2030.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (March 23, 2026) underlined that the emerging multipolar world order – marked by conflict, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical fragmentation – requires nations to work more closely through inclusive global platforms. His remarks come at a time when the West Asia region is witnessing heightened instability.
With fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and rising volatility in oil markets, countries across the world are increasingly vulnerable to external shocks, reinforcing India’s argument for coordinated global responses. “The evolving multipolar order necessitates greater cooperation, including through BRICS, SCO, G20 and the UN,” Jaishankar said, stressing the urgency of collective action.
Multipolar world demands inclusive, balanced frameworks
India’s call reflects a broader shift away from a unipolar or bloc-driven global system towards a more distributed power structure, where emerging economies play a larger role. By advocating stronger coordination across forums like BRICS and G20, India seems to be positioning these platforms as crucial mechanisms to address shared challenges.
Jaishankar emphasised that such cooperation must remain “balanced and inclusive,” ensuring that the concerns of the Global South are adequately represented.
India’s BRICS chairmanship in focus
With India set to chair BRICS in 2026, New Delhi is expected to push a “humanity-first” and people-centric agenda within the grouping. The expanded BRICS bloc, now including countries like Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Indonesia, has gained increased geopolitical weight, especially amid ongoing global tensions.
India’s leadership is likely to focus on stabilising economic partnerships, strengthening energy cooperation, and promoting alternative frameworks for global governance.
India-Russia ties: Strategic anchor in uncertain times
Reaffirming India’s longstanding partnership with Russia, Jaishankar described the relationship as a key pillar of stability in a turbulent global environment. He highlighted Russia’s role as India’s foremost partner in civil nuclear energy, pointing to the Kudankulam nuclear power project as a flagship example of successful collaboration.
“Russia is our foremost partner in civil nuclear energy, and the Kudankulam nuclear project is a stellar example. As India aims to increase its nuclear energy generation capacity to 100 gigawatt by 2047, I am confident that it will find a trusted and reliable partner in Russia for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy,” the EAM stated.
Trade, energy and workforce: Expanding the partnership
On the economic front, both nations are working towards increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from the current $68.7 billion. Jaishankar stressed the need to fast-track the India-EAEU Free Trade Agreement, while addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory hurdles.
He also highlighted the role of India’s skilled workforce in driving economic growth and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
