New Delhi, May 14: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called for stronger BRICS cooperation, urgent reform of global institutions and a united stand against terrorism as India hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the national capital amid rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

Foreign ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member nations gathered in New Delhi for the high-level summit meeting under India’s chairship, with discussions focusing on global conflicts, energy security, climate change, terrorism, trade disruptions and reform of multilateral institutions.

Addressing the inaugural session, Jaishankar said the world was passing through “a time of considerable flux in international relations” marked by “ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate.” “There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilizing role,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of India’s engagement during its BRICS chairship, Jaishankar said more than 80 BRICS meetings had already been organised with active participation from all member countries. “We have also taken forward discussions on institutional development, including the integration of new members through a stocktake and updation of existing mechanisms,” he said, adding that it was essential for the “smooth advancement of BRICS” that new members fully subscribe to the grouping’s consensus on major issues.

The summit witnessed participation from foreign ministers, diplomats and senior officials of BRICS nations, with deliberations centred on strengthening economic resilience, reliable supply chains, climate cooperation and technological collaboration.

In his national statement during the session on global and regional issues, Jaishankar warned that the international system was facing “unprecedented geopolitical and economic uncertainty” driven by conflicts, climate events and the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic.

“What we are witnessing is not a series of isolated events, but a convergence of challenges testing the resilience of multilateral systems,” he said.

Referring to the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said continuing tensions and risks to maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea posed serious concerns for global economic stability.

“Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being,” he said.

On the Gaza conflict, the External Affairs Minister said a “sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a credible pathway towards a durable and peaceful resolution remain essential,” while reiterating India’s support for a two-state solution on Palestine.

Jaishankar also strongly criticised cross-border terrorism and called for a uniform global approach against terror networks. “Terrorism remains a continuing threat. There can be no justification for terrorism in any form. Cross-border terrorism violates the basic principles of international relations. Zero tolerance must remain an uncompromising and universal norm,” he said.

Calling for reforms in global governance structures, Jaishankar said the weakening state of multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations, was a matter of serious concern.

“With each passing day, the case for reformed multilateralism only gets stronger. This includes the reform of the UN Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. Continued delay comes at a high cost,” he said.

The minister also raised concerns over unilateral sanctions and coercive economic measures, saying such actions disproportionately hurt developing countries and “cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy.”

India is hosting the BRICS ministerial meeting as chair amid growing expectations that the grouping will play a larger role in shaping an alternative and more inclusive global order.

New Delhi, May 14: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today addressed the President’s Colour Award ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad as the Chief Guest. Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Director General of NDRF and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that the conferment of the ‘President’s Colour’ on NDRF is not merely a recognition of the commendable services of NDRF, but also an acknowledgment by the Hon’ble President of the contributions made by SDRFs, the entire machinery from Panchayats to States, NCC, NSS and thousands of Disaster volunteers engaged in service. He said that NDRF personnel go anywhere in the country with the motto “Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra”. Shri Shah said that wherever NDRF personnel have gone, in India or abroad, they have earned love and trust. Whenever a disaster strikes or is anticipated anywhere in the country, people feel reassured when NDRF personnel arrive believing that now rescue operations will succeed. Shri Shah said that over the last 20 years since its establishment, NDRF has earned the trust of 140 crore citizens through its successful operations during floods, earthquakes, cyclones and other disasters across the country. He said, the sight of NDRF personnel, who have saved more than 1.5 lakh lives and evacuated over 9 lakh people to safer locations, inspires a strong sense of security and trust.

Union Home Minister said that the conferment of the President’s Colour is recognition of the service, courage, valour and dedication of the entire NDRF. He said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and NDRF have established India prominently on the global map in the field of disaster response, which is a matter of pride for all citizens and a special matter of pride for him as the Home Minister of the country.

Amit Shah said that projects worth more than Rs. 116 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid today. He expressed confidence that these projects would further strengthen NDRF’s ability to protect citizens from all kinds of disasters.

Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, since 2014 India has not only worked towards Disaster Risk Reduction, but has now reached a stage where the country can move towards the goal of zero casualty. Wherever prior information about disasters is available through forecasting and the Meteorological Department, the objective is to ensure protection of lives and property. He added that NDMA has taken several policy decisions, issued numerous guidelines, successfully promoted public awareness and gradually making disaster preparedness a national culture.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that NDRF has set an excellent example by rescuing not only citizens but also speechless animals living alongside them. He said the aim is to ensure zero loss of human life and minimal damage to property during disasters.

Amit Shah said that the Ministry of Home Affairs is also fully prepared to effectively tackle serious challenges like heatwaves. He said, the Modi Government is working towards reducing heatwave-related deaths to zero.

Amit Shah said that the Ministry of Home Affairs and NDRF have placed great emphasis on capacity building and community participation. NDRF has undertaken the monumental task of training more than 8,500 personnel, over 10,000 civil defence workers and more than 2.20 lakh volunteers. He added that over 10,500 boatmen have also been trained in the last two years.

Union Home Minister said that Disaster volunteers would prove highly useful in strengthening community-based disaster response and tackling all kinds of emergencies. He said, earlier, the response while dealing with disaster management was primarily relief-oriented, but the Modi Government has transformed it from being reactive to preventive and productive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established the concept of minimizing loss of life and property due to disasters as a global model. Over the last 12 years, disaster preparedness has evolved from being merely a system into a complete ecosystem. From Gram Panchayats to the Government of India, from IMD scientists to ordinary citizens, a new culture of coordinated action towards a common objective has emerged.

Amit Shah said that India had witnessed several devastating natural disasters such as the Odisha Super Cyclone, Gujarat earthquake and Indian Ocean tsunami, which shook the lives of people across the country. Which highlighted the need for a robust disaster management framework. Subsequently, the Disaster Management Act was enacted, and NDMA and NDRF were established. He said that with 16 battalions, NDRF has today become a powerful force. Through its working methods, training support to SDRFs and joint operations, NDRF has enhanced its own strength. Measures like proactive deployment and pre-positioning have proved effective in minimizing damage. Shri Shah recalled that the 2008 Kosi floods in Bihar were a major test for NDRF. Subsequently, NDRF successfully handled many disasters such as flash floods in Dharali, cloudbursts in Chasoti, floods in Jammu, Punjab and Delhi, Cyclone Montha and Cyclone Ditwah. He said that NDRF has also worked effectively with society during major events like the Amarnath Yatra, Mahakumbh, Char Dham Yatra, Mani Mahesh Yatra, Sabarimala pilgrimage and the Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Union Home Minister said that Prime Minister Modi’s 10-point agenda and 360-degree approach in disaster management have given a new direction to disaster risk management. It has strengthened areas such as risk mapping, early warning systems, community participation and formulation of guidelines. Shri Shah said that globally, India has emerged as an undisputed leader and first responder in disaster management. The principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ has been translated into practice and implemented on the ground. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi, India has taken global leadership in the field of disaster resilient infrastructure. Today, 48 countries have joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and are working together with India in this direction.

Amit Shah congratulated all personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across the country and said that since 2021 CAPF personnel have planted more than 7 crore trees nationwide. He said that this reflects the humanitarian outlook and environmental awareness of all CAPFs.