IBSA leaders agree priorities for renewed cooperation at Johannesburg meeting

Leaders of India, Brazil, and South Africa agreed on a refreshed set of priorities for the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum during a high-level meeting held during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on 23 November 2025. The discussions were chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the participation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Opening the dialogue, President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of revitalising IBSA as a driver of global transformation. He emphasised that the three diverse countries are not only engaged in global economic governance but are shaping the international agenda, as reported by the official website of the South African Government.

He stressed common priorities, including reform of multilateral institutions, strengthened commitments to climate action, support for food and health security, and equitable access to technological progress.

Ramaphosa highlighted IBSA’s collaborative ethos, noting that the grouping “stands as a testament to principled and constructive cooperation” rooted in the daily realities of their citizens. He welcomed the forthcoming collaboration agreement on foundational learning, following commitments made by the three IBSA Education Ministers.

In turn, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for the modernisation and revitalisation of IBSA. According to Lula, the strengthening of the G20 and the expansion of BRICS – which has recently welcomed new full members and partner countries – underline the need to rethink the role of IBSA in the current international context.

“The status of major emerging economies of the Global South and major democracies gives IBSA its own identity and capabilities,” he said. He underlined the need for the trilateral format to redefine its global role amid the evolving international landscape marked by an expanded BRICS and a strengthened G20. This is reported by Brasil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.

Lula concluded his address by emphasising the need for more frequent meetings among the group’s leaders and closer coordination within multilateral groups such as the United Nations, the G20, and BRICS.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that IBSA serves as a vital bridge connecting three continents and three major democracies. He called for a strong joint message that reform of global governance institutions has become imperative.

He also proposed the establishment of an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance to facilitate the exchange of digital public infrastructure, including payment systems, health platforms, cybersecurity frameworks and women-led technology initiatives.

According to ANI, a partner of TV BRICS, Narendra Modi highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation among IBSA members in areas such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence, food security, and youth exchanges.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to intensify trilateral coordination and to prepare for an upcoming IBSA Leaders’ Summit at a mutually agreed date. Under the G20 theme "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability", the three leaders reaffirmed their determination to position IBSA as a catalyst for a more equitable, representative and responsive international order.

Photo: Brasil 247/ Ricardo Stuckert / PR