New Delhi is preparing to host one of the most consequential diplomatic gatherings of foreign ministers from BRICS countries on May 14-15. The meeting is taking place amidst the uncertainty in global energy markets and intensifying debates over the future of the international order.
The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM), being hosted under India’s 2026 chairship of the bloc, is expected to focus heavily on geopolitical stability, reform of global governance institutions, food and energy security, and strengthening cooperation among Global South countries.
During the weekly briefing, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal said the meeting will be chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The discussions will also include a dedicated session on reforms of the multilateral system and global governance structures.
The meeting of the BRICS foreign ministers assumes importance as it comes at a time when the grouping is attempting to redefine its global role following rapid expansion and rising geopolitical fragmentation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the summit in person and hold bilateral talks with Jaishankar ahead of the ministerial sessions. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two leaders will discuss implementation of agreements reached during President Vladimir Putin’s India visit, while also reviewing cooperation in trade, energy, transport corridors, logistics, science and space technology.
The Russian side has indicated that developments in West Asia and coordination within platforms such as BRICS, the United Nations and the G20 will feature prominently in the discussions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is expected to hold separate meetings with senior Indian leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The visit comes as India maintains close diplomatic engagement with Tehran amid concerns over regional instability, maritime security and energy supplies. Multiple conversations have already taken place between Araghchi and Jaishankar since the escalation of the conflict earlier this year.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on commercial shipping are expected to be key issues during the BRICS deliberations, especially for energy-importing economies such as India. Concerns over disruption of maritime trade routes, issues related to insurance of the shipping lines, and volatility in crude oil prices have added urgency to the discussions.
When the two ministers meet for bilateral discussion, the Chabahar Port project is also likely to be on the agenda. Iran has reiterated that the connectivity initiative remains on track despite sanctions and regional instability, describing it as vital for regional economic integration.
While Russia and Iran are sending their top diplomats, uncertainty remains over the participation of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The expanded BRICS grouping now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Partner nations including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, & Vietnam, are coming for the meeting.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has said Bangkok will use the platform to advocate reforms in global governance and stronger cooperation among developing countries, particularly in areas related to food, energy and digital-era challenges.
The New Delhi meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit later this year and help define the grouping’s collective approach to some of the world’s most pressing geopolitical crises.
