Geneva: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday that a reason why BRICS was formed was that G7 nations were not letting anyone else enter the group and that the forum of major emerging economies has gained a life of its own.
"Because there was another club, it was called the G7 and you wouldn't let anybody else into that club, so we said we'd go and form our own club. As it started, it gained a life of its own over the period of time. Others saw value in it as well," Jaishankar said while answering queries during an interaction at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy in Switzerland.
Jaishankar was answering queries from former Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Jean David Levitte.
"We expanded the BRICS, we took the decision to expand the BRICS last year in South Africa's Johannesburg. And we extended invitations to more countries, which virtually doubled the number. We will be meeting soon in Kazan, a city in Russia, next month. And we know, I mean, as I travel around the world, I frankly see more and more enthusiasm, you know, more interest really in countries wanting to be associated in some form or the other. BRICS, of course, has itself evolved," he added.
He also responded to questions about the necessity of the BRICS grouping in light of the existence of the G20.
"I'm still struck by how insecure the North is when we speak about the BRICS. Somehow something seems to get under people's skin. And here's an observation. If there is a G20, did the G7 disband? Has it stopped meeting? No, it still continues. So if the G20 exists, the G20 is there, but the G7 still exists. Then why can't the G20 be there and the BRICS also exist," the minister asked.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Geneva in the last leg of his three-nation visit. He started his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
"Started 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," Jaishankar said in a post on X.
During his visit to Geneva, Jaishankar will meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral ties further.
Geneva is home to a large number of UN bodies and international organisations. During the visit, EAM will also meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged."
Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland after concluding his visit to Germany and Saudi Arabia.
