Overview
On 23 NOV 2025, the Prime Minister participated in the IBSA Leaders Meeting in Johannesburg, emphasizing the forum's significance in connecting three continents and major democratic powers. The meeting highlighted the culmination of four consecutive G20 presidencies led by Global South countries, with the IBSA nations having headed the G20 over the past three years.
Key Points from the Prime Minister's Statement
- Gratitude: Expressed gratitude to President Lula for the initiative and President Ramaphosa for the hospitality.
- Significance of IBSA: Highlighted IBSA as a vital platform connecting three continents, major democratic powers, and significant economies.
- Shared Priorities: Emphasized advancing initiatives on human-centric development, multilateral reform, and sustainable growth.
Key Initiatives and Proposals
Institutional Reform
The Prime Minister stressed the need for reforming global institutions to reflect the realities of the 21st century, particularly the UN Security Council. He called for a unified message from IBSA advocating for institutional reform as a prerogative.
Counter-Terrorism
He emphasized the importance of close coordination in the fight against terrorism, advocating for united and decisive action without double standards. The institutionalization of the meeting of NSAs of the three countries, first held under India's IBSA chairmanship in 2021, was proposed to strengthen security cooperation.
Technology and Digital Innovation
The Prime Minister proposed establishing an "IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance" to share Digital Public Infrastructure such as UPI, health platforms like CoWIN, cybersecurity frameworks, and women-led technology initiatives. This aims to accelerate the growth of digital economies and create scalable solutions for the Global South. He also suggested contributing to the creation of safe, reliable, and human-centric AI norms, potentially launching this at the AI Impact Summit in India next year.
Sustainable Growth and Development
IBSA can complement development efforts and serve as an example for the world in areas such as the promotion of millets and natural farming, disaster resilience and green energy, and traditional medicine and health security. The IBSA Fund, which has supported nearly fifty projects across forty countries, was highlighted. The Prime Minister suggested establishing an IBSA Fund for Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
Exam Relevance
GS2: International Relations
The IBSA forum is a key example of South-South cooperation and its potential to address global challenges. Understanding its structure, objectives, and achievements is crucial for Mains answers on international relations and India's role in global governance.
GS3: Economy and Science & Technology
The proposed "IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance" and the focus on digital public infrastructure are relevant for understanding India's approach to leveraging technology for inclusive growth. The discussion on sustainable growth and climate-resilient agriculture aligns with the syllabus on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Important Facts
- IBSA Formation: India, Brazil, and South Africa forum promoting South-South cooperation.
- G20 Presidencies: Culmination of four consecutive presidencies led by Global South countries.
- IBSA Fund: Implemented nearly fifty projects across forty countries.
- Proposed Initiatives: IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance and IBSA Fund for Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
- Focus Areas: Human-centric development, multilateral reform, and sustainable growth.