New Delhi, September 28 (Daily Kiran) : The 14th trilateral ministerial commission meeting of India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) took place recently in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81). Participating were South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. The meeting focused on four major issues.
The ministers expressed deep concern over the ongoing stalemate in intergovernmental negotiations (IGN) regarding reforms to the UN Security Council (UNSC). They emphasized the need to adapt the council to current geopolitical realities. They called for formal, text-based negotiations to commence during UNGA81 within a specified timeframe. Additionally, they urged that the council’s inaction should not paralyze the UN’s operations, advocating for the strengthening of the General Assembly’s authority. The ministers openly supported permanent representation for Africa on the UNSC and the candidacy of India and Brazil for permanent membership.
IBSA formally endorsed India’s proposed critical minerals initiative under the G20 framework. This initiative aims to promote technologies such as recycling, urban mining, and second-life batteries to bolster energy transition and supply chains. The ministers acknowledged the significant challenge posed by a lack of investment and local processing in developing mineral-producing countries, stressing the need to enhance value retention in mineral-rich nations.
The ministers condemned the heinous attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025. Rejecting double standards, they called for concrete action against all UN-listed terrorist organizations and proxy groups, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad. They also urged for the swift adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
Overall, this meeting is seen as a reaffirmation of the unity of the Global South, a commitment to reforming multilateral institutions, and a renewed momentum for South-South cooperation.
The ministers emphasized the importance of a rules-based multilateral system, WTO reforms, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and climate justice. They agreed to continue projects aimed at poverty eradication and capacity building in developing countries through the IBSA Fund. Moreover, they resolved to amplify the voice of the Global South on platforms such as the G20, UN, and other international forums.
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