BRICS meet: EAM S Jaishankar calls for deeper cooperation in dealing with terrorism

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called for boosting cooperation among the five-nation grouping BRICS in dealing with the threat of terrorism during a virtual meeting of the bloc which was also attended by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

An official statement read, "EAM also highlighted the scourge of terrorism and called for enhanced BRICS cooperation in countering terrorism. He expressed satisfaction on the conclusion of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy."

In his address, Jaishankar also emphasised the need to reform the United Nations to reflect contemporary global realities, and the feelings of millions of people in the world, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He also called for expansion of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories besides pitching for reforms in international bodies like the World Trade Organisation, International Monetary Fund and World Health Organisation.

Thank FM Sergey Lavrov for convening the #BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today.

Positively assessed the progress made during the Russian Chair, especially in counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, ICTs and people-to-people contacts. pic.twitter.com/QOZMliC9tW — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 4, 2020

The BRICS comprises five major emerging countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The meeting was chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended by Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, China's Wang, South African Foreign Minister Grace Naledi Pandor and Jaishankar.

A joint declaration issued after the meeting said the ministers expressed concern at the rise of violence and continuing conflicts in different parts of the world that have a significant impact at both the regional and international levels. "They concurred that irrespective of their historic background and distinctive nature, conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means and diplomatic engagement through political dialogue and negotiations in line with principles and norms of international law, particularly the UN Charter," it said without referring to any specific conflict.

The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting came in the midst of a festering border row between two of its members, India and China. The statement said the ministers referred to the UNSC resolution (2532) demanding a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations on its agenda with the exception of military operations against terrorist groups.

It said the ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed, adding that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. "They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to contribute further to the global efforts of preventing and countering the threat of terrorism on the basis of respect for international law and the UN Charter, emphasising that States have the primary responsibility in combating terrorism," the declaration said.

In his address, Jaishankar said the BRICS has an important role to play in the wake of grave challenges in economic, political and social, health fields. He also highlighted the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative of India as a "dynamic" and mutually beneficial global economic engagement, covering five key pillars, including economy, infrastructure, technology, demography and demand.