The Foreign Ministers of the BRICS nations stressed the vital role of the G20 as the leading platform for international economic cooperation. They underscored the necessity for the G20 to continue operating effectively to tackle global economic challenges. This reaffirmation highlights the G20’s importance in fostering cooperation among both developed and developing nations, aiming for inclusive and sustainable global economic growth.
The ministers also welcomed the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, a significant development that took place during the New Delhi Summit last year. This inclusion is seen as a step towards enhancing the representation and voice of African nations in global economic discussions, promoting a more balanced and inclusive approach to addressing economic issues.
Furthermore, the ministers pointed out that the consecutive G20 presidencies of India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025 create a strong foundation for addressing global economic inequalities, imbalances, and shortcomings. These nations’ leadership in the G20 is expected to focus on key issues such as reducing poverty, fostering sustainable development, and reforming global governance. By coordinating their efforts and priorities, these BRICS countries aim to ensure that the G20 remains an effective and productive forum for tackling the world’s most pressing economic challenges.
In 2023, India held the G20 presidency, a role that involves steering the agenda and coordinating activities of the Group of Twenty (G20), which is a forum for the world’s major economies. Currently, Brazil has taken over the presidency, and South Africa is scheduled to assume this role in 2025. This sequence of leadership is significant as it ensures continuity and allows these countries to address global economic issues collaboratively over successive years.
The Foreign Ministers of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) recently met in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. This meeting was part of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ ongoing efforts to coordinate their policies and enhance cooperation among their countries. Representing India at this meeting was Dammu Ravi, the Secretary for Economic Relations at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This event marked his first significant international engagement in his role, underlining India’s foreign policy priorities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic third consecutive term in office. This meeting highlighted the active engagement and strategic priorities of BRICS nations in shaping global economic governance.
The Ministers agreed again that the G20 is a very important place for countries worldwide to cooperate on economic matters. They highlighted that both rich and poor countries participate equally, working together to find solutions for global problems, aiming for economic growth that benefits everyone. The Ministers stressed the need for the G20 to keep working well, focusing on achieving real results and making decisions together. The ministers repeated their promise to take a fair approach, trying to make sure that the G20 meetings involve all countries from the Global South, not just the richer ones. They backed adding the African Union as a member of the G20 during the G20 New Delhi Summit.
The ministers emphasized that India, Brazil, and South Africa leading the G20 one after the other from 2023 to 2025 creates a strong base for tackling global economic issues like inequalities and imbalances. They supported the continuation of their collaborative efforts during their respective presidencies and wished them success. They also backed Brazil’s priorities during its G20 Presidency, which include fighting hunger, poverty, and inequality, promoting sustainable development, and reforming global governance. The ministers looked forward to Brazil successfully hosting the 19th G20 Summit and reiterated their commitment to working together on G20 matters.
They stressed that cooperation on international health issues should include everyone and be fair and focused on getting real results for everyone’s benefit. They also said that the way the world deals with health issues should be open, include everyone, be based on science, and not be influenced by politics. It should be fair, transparent, and respectful to all countries’ sovereignty and interests, following the principles of the UN Charter.
The ministers also agreed to work together more closely on global health within the BRICS group. They understood the importance of making sure everyone has enough food and is well-nourished, especially in rural areas. They encouraged more collaboration on farming and making sure there’s enough food for everyone.
The ministers from BRICS countries discussed their plan to work together on energy issues, highlighting the importance of making energy affordable and reliable for everyone. They believe that having secure energy is crucial for the economy, stability, security, and well-being of all countries worldwide. This meeting was the first one held since BRICS expanded in 2023, with ten full members now including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new additions like Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. As of January 1, 2024, Russia has taken over the chairmanship of BRICS, leading the group’s activities and discussions.
