India, Brazil and South Africa have jointly called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that global institutions need to better reflect contemporary realities and provide stronger representation to developing countries.
The position was outlined at the IBSA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the meeting with South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: IBSA Foreign Ministers coordinate positions at UNGA 81.
Location: New York, United States.
Authority/Organisation: India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum.
Action Taken: Countries backed comprehensive UNSC and global economic governance reforms.
Impact: The three countries highlighted shared Global South concerns spanning security, energy, food, technology and climate.
The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, international law and a stronger multilateral system. They called for Security Council reform that would make the body more democratic, representative and legitimate.
The IBSA ministers also raised concerns about the wider economic effects of ongoing conflicts. According to the joint position, disruptions are affecting the Global South through energy and food insecurity, inflation and fiscal pressures.
The three countries also backed reforms in global economic governance to give developing and emerging economies more effective and equitable participation.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The IBSA position brings together three countries from different continents around a common demand for greater representation of developing economies in global institutions. For India, the discussion also reinforces New Delhi's wider diplomatic focus on reforming multilateral institutions and increasing the voice of developing countries. The meeting's agenda also reflects how security and economic issues are increasingly interconnected, with conflicts affecting energy supplies, food security, inflation and public finances.
Beyond traditional diplomacy, the meeting placed technology and development on the agenda. India, Brazil and South Africa supported wider access to digital infrastructure and recognised the potential of artificial intelligence to contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.
The ministers also discussed climate action, renewable energy and sustainable development, including greater deployment of clean-energy technologies and sustainable fuels.
On terrorism, the three countries strongly condemned the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.
