On February 17, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov convened a working lunch in Moscow with ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from BRICS members and partner countries. The gathering underscored the bloc’s growing ambition to reshape international governance structures and amplify the voice of the so-called “Global Majority”—a term increasingly used to describe nations outside the traditional Western power centres.

Key Themes from the Meeting:

• UN’s Central Role: Participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the United Nations as the cornerstone of global diplomacy, resisting moves that could sideline its authority.
• Governance Reform: The diplomats emphasised the need to reform institutions like the UN Security Council and international financial bodies to better reflect today’s multipolar world.
• Global Majority Representation: Calls were made to increase the participation of emerging economies and developing nations in decision-making processes, aligning with BRICS’ broader narrative of inclusivity.
• BRICS Profile: The group expressed determination to raise BRICS’ visibility and influence in multilateral forums, positioning it as a counterbalance to Western-led alliances.
• India’s Chairmanship: With India holding the BRICS chairmanship this year, discussions also touched on aligning priorities with New Delhi’s agenda, which includes strengthening economic cooperation and advancing digital and green transitions.

Background Context: BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has steadily expanded its outreach, recently inviting new members and partners to join dialogues. The bloc has positioned itself as a champion of multipolarity, challenging Western dominance in global institutions. Russia, in particular, has leveraged BRICS as a diplomatic platform amid strained relations with the West, while India’s chairmanship offers an opportunity to highlight issues of development, technology, and equitable representation.