India, Brazil and South Africa Push for Comprehensive UN Reforms at IBSA Meeting

India, Brazil and South Africa have renewed calls for UN reforms, stronger Global South representation and greater cooperation on trade, technology, climate, terrorism and development.

India, Brazil and South Africa Call for UN Reforms at IBSA Meeting

India, Brazil and South Africa have called for comprehensive reforms of global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), while seeking a stronger role for developing countries in international decision-making.

The discussions took place at the 14th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Commission Meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. South Africa's Ronald Lamola, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira participated in the meeting.

IBSA Focuses on South-South Cooperation

IBSA brings together India, Brazil and South Africa as a forum for political coordination, practical cooperation and development assistance to other developing countries. The grouping was formally established in 2003 and includes three major democracies from Asia, South America and Africa.

The ministers reaffirmed the importance of the IBSA Fund for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation and encouraged greater cooperation on development projects, including climate-resilient agriculture.

Call for Comprehensive UN Security Council Reform

A major focus of the meeting was reform of the UN and its Security Council. The three countries called for an urgent, comprehensive and result-oriented reform process that gives developing and least-developed countries greater participation in global decision-making.

India, Brazil and South Africa supported expanding UNSC membership in both permanent and non-permanent categories. They also backed greater African representation, including the continent's longstanding demand for a permanent presence on the Council. India and Brazil reiterated their aspirations for permanent seats.

Push for Text-Based Negotiations

The ministers expressed concern over limited progress in the intergovernmental negotiations on UNSC reform. They called for formal, text-based negotiations during the current UN General Assembly session, with the objective of achieving meaningful reform within a defined timeframe.

They also supported strengthening the role of the UN General Assembly as the organisation's principal deliberative and representative body.

IBSA Raises Concerns Over Middle East and Gaza

The three ministers discussed continuing tensions in the Middle East and stressed diplomacy, dialogue and adherence to international law.

They called for civilian protection, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and measures to prevent further escalation. The ministers also highlighted the effects of regional conflicts on developing countries through pressure on energy and food security, inflation and public finances.

On Gaza, they called for humanitarian access, implementation of relevant UN resolutions and continued adherence to the ceasefire. They reiterated support for a two-state solution and an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Strong Stand Against Terrorism

The ministers condemned the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and reaffirmed their opposition to terrorism in all forms.

They called for stronger international cooperation against terrorist financing and support for the early adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN framework.

The countries also highlighted concerns about terrorist propaganda and recruitment through digital platforms and supported greater intelligence-sharing and capacity-building.

Reform of Global Economic Institutions

IBSA members also called for reforms to the Bretton Woods Institutions, including greater representation and participation for developing economies.

The ministers highlighted the role of Multilateral Development Banks in financing development, reducing poverty and supporting economic growth. They also backed efforts to increase lending capacity and mobilise private investment for development projects.

The countries reaffirmed the importance of the G20 as a platform for international economic cooperation and called for continued attention to Global South priorities.

Support for WTO Reform

India, Brazil and South Africa reaffirmed their support for a transparent, rules-based and development-oriented global trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its centre.

They stressed the importance of restoring a fully functional WTO dispute-settlement mechanism and maintaining special and differential treatment for developing countries.

The ministers also raised concerns about unilateral tariffs and protectionist measures, arguing that such policies can contribute to fragmentation and instability in global trade.

IBSA Fund Targets Poverty and Hunger

The three countries agreed to strengthen the IBSA Fund, which supports South-South development initiatives addressing poverty, hunger and inequality.

They also welcomed the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and encouraged closer coordination between the alliance and IBSA-supported projects.

The ministers highlighted food-security initiatives and the importance of developing resilient and sustainable food systems.

Digital Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence

Digital public infrastructure and digital public goods were another major area of discussion. The countries supported wider access to secure, inclusive and interoperable digital infrastructure based on national priorities.

On artificial intelligence, the ministers recognised its potential to support economic growth and sustainable development. They called for international cooperation to promote AI that is safe, secure, inclusive and reliable.

The countries also discussed misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of online harm, while supporting greater transparency and responsibility from digital platforms.

They welcomed India's hosting of the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 and agreed to explore further AI cooperation across the Global South.

Climate Action and Energy Transition

Climate change and energy transition featured prominently in the discussions. The ministers welcomed initiatives supporting tropical forest conservation and recognised Brazil's role in advancing developing-country priorities through COP30.

India, Brazil and South Africa also reaffirmed coordination on climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and just energy-transition policies.

They supported expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable fuels, while calling for greater concessional finance and technology support for developing countries.

Critical Minerals and Biodiversity

The ministers recognised the growing strategic importance of critical minerals for clean-energy technologies, digital industries and industrial development.

They supported diversification of mineral supply chains and greater processing and value addition in resource-producing developing countries. The meeting also noted India's proposal for a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative focusing on recycling, urban mining and second-life batteries.

On biodiversity, the three countries supported conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and equitable benefit-sharing.

Disaster Resilience and Other Areas

IBSA ministers highlighted the increasing impact of extreme weather and natural disasters on developing economies. They supported stronger early-warning systems, disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

The countries also discussed education, foundational learning, women's empowerment, gender equality, environmental crimes and African trade integration.

Conclusion

The 14th IBSA Ministerial Commission Meeting expanded cooperation across UN reform, global trade, development, AI, climate action, critical minerals and disaster resilience. India, Brazil and South Africa also reiterated their shared focus on strengthening South-South cooperation and increasing the participation of developing countries in global institutions.