Jaishankar’s viral response on formation of BRICS – India TV

Geneva: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Thursday that the BRICS were formed because the G7 nations did not allow anyone else to join the group, while addressing the Geneva Centre for Security Policy in Switzerland.

Speaking at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy alongside former Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations Jean David Levitte, when asked why BRICS and whether it would be expanded, Jaishanark said, “Because there was another club, which was called the G7 and nobody else was allowed to join it, so we said we are going to form our own club. When it started, it took on a life of its own over time. Others also saw the value in it.”

VIDEO: Jaishankar’s tough message on the formation of BRICS

He added that many countries today see the value of BRICS and that there is more enthusiasm among countries wanting to join the grouping. “We expanded BRICS, we made the decision to expand it last year in Johannesburg, South Africa. And we extended invitations to more countries, which almost doubled the number. We will meet soon in Kazan, a city in Russia, next month. And you know, I mean, when I travel around the world, frankly I see more and more enthusiasm, more interest really in countries wanting to associate in one way or another. BRICS, of course, has evolved,” he added.

Jaishankar also responded to questions on the need for the BRICS grouping in the light of the existence of the G20 and noted that despite the formation of the G20, the G7 continues to meet and has not disbanded. “I am still surprised at the insecurity that the North feels when we talk about the BRICS. Somehow, something seems to get under people’s skin. And here is an observation: if there is a G20, has the G7 disbanded? Has it stopped meeting? No, it still exists. So if the G20 exists, the G20 is there, but the G7 still exists. So why can’t the G20 be there and the BRICS also exist?” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar blushes when a diplomat praises him

Jaishankar received praise during his interaction with Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at the Geneva Centre for Indian Security Policy. A particularly memorable moment occurred when Levitte praised Jaishankar saying, “You are a star in the world,” which made Jaishankar blush. The event showed a rare glimpse of the External Affairs Minister’s humility as he responded to the compliment with a gesture of gratitude, folding his hands in thanks.

Earlier, Jaishankar arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, and began his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “I began my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

In a world of polarisation and conflict, Bapu’s message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever.” During his visit to Geneva, Jaishankar will meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues for further enhancing bilateral ties. In an earlier statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “Geneva is home to a large number of UN agencies and international organisations. During the visit, the EAM will meet heads and representatives of international organisations with which India is actively engaged.” Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland after concluding his visit to Germany and Saudi Arabia.

(With contributions from the agency)

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