Brics Meeting 2026: Iran urges bloc to condemn US-Israel actions, act against 'warmongering and impunity'

The first session of the Brics Foreign Ministers’ meeting is nearing its conclusion, with the ministers now set to join a joint call with PM Modi.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, speaking to CNN-News18, backed stronger multilateralism and Global South cooperation, saying Brics reflects a fragmented world that needs inclusive global governance. He highlighted growing India–Thailand ties, noting rising trade, over two million Indian tourists, and shared Indo-Pacific priorities for an open, rules-based order. On Asean, he stressed its central role in regional stability and the importance of dialogue and Asean centrality amid major-power engagement. He also urged progress on the India–Thailand–Myanmar trilateral project to support peace in Myanmar. On West Asia, he warned of global spillover and called for an urgent end to conflict.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the Brics meeting, said the conflict in Gaza has triggered serious humanitarian consequences. He stressed the urgent need for a sustained ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a credible pathway toward a lasting and peaceful resolution to the crisis.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday welcomed foreign ministers and delegates to New Delhi for the Brics Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, saying the gathering comes at a time when the world is facing growing uncertainty and requires deeper cooperation among emerging economies.

Opening the meeting, Jaishankar thanked member countries for their continued support during India’s chairship and said over 80 Brics meetings had already been held with active participation from all members. He said these discussions had helped strengthen cooperation across sectors and create momentum for further progress.

He also said India has been engaging with partner countries to make the Brics framework more inclusive, while discussions are also underway on integrating new members into existing institutional mechanisms.

Jaishankar noted that the global situation remains difficult, with conflicts, economic instability and challenges linked to trade, technology and climate continuing to shape international relations. He said there is a growing expectation, especially from developing nations, that Brics should play a constructive and stabilising role.

He stressed that development issues remain central, pointing to challenges related to energy, food, fertiliser, health security and access to finance. Brics, he said, can help countries respond more effectively to these pressures.

On economic resilience, Jaishankar underlined the need for reliable supply chains and diversified markets. He also said climate discussions must balance sustainable development with fairness and shared responsibility.

He highlighted the growing importance of technology and said it should be used to improve governance and ensure inclusive growth.

On peace and security, Jaishankar said recent conflicts have shown the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. He also called for stronger cooperation against terrorism, describing it as a common concern for all member nations.

He ended by urging all delegations to engage in open discussions that can deliver practical outcomes and strengthen Brics cooperation further.

India has proposed making mental health and lifestyle diseases central to its 2026 Brics health agenda. At the first Health Working Group meeting in New Delhi, India will introduce priorities focused on healthier lifestyles and mental wellness, while also pushing stronger cooperation on digital health, affordable medicines, disease surveillance and resilient public health systems across Brics nations.

Amid doubts that West Asia conflict could disrupt the meeting’s agenda, Jaishankar in his opening remarks said that development issues remain central.

Jaishankar said that there was a growing expectation of Brics playing a constructive and stabilising role.

“All of us remain in close and regular contact through bilateral and multilateral engagements… It allows us to exchange perspectives and encourages us to develop convergences. In this complicated and uncertain world, that is of ever-greater importance,” said Jaishankar.

All the Brics ministers scheduled to arrive for the meeting have arrived and got a family photograph clicked.

See the Brics foreign ministers’ family photo.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi ahead of the Brics Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, as India hosts key diplomatic discussions focused on regional stability and strategic cooperation.

Iruthisham Adam is a veteran Maldivian diplomat and politician whose career has recently reached a new pinnacle. Appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in April this year she previously served as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2024–2026). Her political trajectory includes senior cabinet roles as Minister of Health and Minister of Youth and Sports, where she led significant social reforms. A seasoned multilateralist, she was also the Maldives’ Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva. Today, she is recognised as a key architect of the Maldives’ “pragmatic” foreign policy, skillfully balancing ties between major powers like India and China.

As New Delhi hosts the Brics Foreign Ministers’ meeting at Bharat Mandapam, attention has turned to how menus for foreign leaders are prepared.

The host government, under the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant ministries, carefully curates meals that reflect India’s culture while accommodating delegates’ dietary needs.

The menu is expected to showcase Indian culinary diversity with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, alongside special diet plans where required. Senior chefs from across India are typically involved in designing the dining experience.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi ahead of the two-day Brics Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which begins today.

On January 13, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar officially launched the logo, theme, and website for India’s 2026 Brics Chairship. The logo prominently features the Lotus, symbolising India’s cultural heritage and its “Humanity First” approach. The theme, “BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” highlights the group’s evolution over two decades. By unveiling a dedicated digital portal, India has prioritised transparency and inclusivity, setting the stage for a presidency focused on digital public infrastructure and a more equitable global order.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Dilma Rousseff at the Kremlin to discuss key Brics matters. Rousseff, who heads the New Development Bank, plays a central role in advancing the bloc’s push to reduce dollar dependence and strengthen economic autonomy for emerging economies.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos Hessebon, has arrived in New Delhi to attend the Brics Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He was welcomed by the Ministry of External Affairs as India hosts key diplomatic discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing strategic engagement among Brics nations.

Brics has officially created a new “partner country” tier to manage its massive popularity.

Ten nations have been granted this status: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam

This is one of the first major ministerial meetings since the bloc’s significant expansion. You’ll see representatives not just from the original five, but from the full 10-member cohort and “Partner Countries.”

Confirmed attendees: Ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran (Seyed Abbas Araghchi), and the UAE are in Delhi, alongside the founding members (Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa).

The Malaysia factor: Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan is attending as a partner, signaling Malaysia’s strong intent to become a full member.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in New Delhi to attend the Brics Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The discussions, held under India’s 2026 chairmanship, will focus on strengthening global cooperation, advancing strategic partnerships, and addressing key geopolitical and economic challenges.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan arrived in New Delhi to attend the Brics Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He was received by Malaysia’s High Commissioner to India, Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, and Acting Deputy Secretary-General for Multilateral Affairs Dato’ Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in New Delhi for a high-stakes Brics foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India. The talks come amid escalating Gulf tensions and divisions within the bloc over the Iran conflict. Araghchi flew aboard an Iranian aircraft named “Minab 168,” a symbolic reference to the 168 schoolgirls and teachers killed in a US missile strike on a school in southern Minab.