India, Brazil and South Africa updated the IBSA strategy and proposed to create an Alliance of Digital Innovations
The leaders of India, Brazil and South Africa have agreed on a new set of key areas of cooperation within the framework of the IBSA dialogue platform. The meeting was held under the leadership of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 summit and became one of the most meaningful in recent times. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the discussion.
Opening the talks, Ramaphosa stressed that the IBSA format should play a more significant role in global processes and strengthen the influence of the countries of the Global South. According to him, India, Brazil and South Africa are not just included in the global governance system, but are actively shaping the international agenda. Among the priorities, he outlined the reform of international institutions, combating the effects of climate change, improving food sustainability, developing medicine and equal access to critical technologies.
The South African President also noted that IBSA remains an association based on the real needs of citizens. He welcomed the work on an agreement in the field of primary education, which was previously initiated by the Ministers of Education of the three countries.
Brazilian leader Lula da Silva said that the IBSA format needs to be modernized. He stressed that the strengthening of the role of the G20 and the expansion of the BRICS create new conditions in which the troika needs to redefine its place. According to him, IBSA is unique in that it unites the largest democracies and economies of the Global South. Lula suggested holding meetings more often and coordinating positions in the United Nations, the G20 and BRICS more closely.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called IBS a "bridge between continents" and stressed that it was long overdue to reform international governance mechanisms. He launched the initiative to create the IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance, a platform for the exchange of practices in digital infrastructure. Such a structure will be able to combine the experience of countries in creating payment systems, medical digital services, developing cybersecurity and supporting technological entrepreneurship, including women's entrepreneurship.
In addition, Modi proposed expanding cooperation in the fields of critical minerals, artificial intelligence, food security and educational exchanges.
Following the meeting, the leaders agreed to step up trilateral coordination and prepare for a full-fledged IBSA summit, the date of which will be determined later. Under the slogan of South Africa's G20 presidency — "Solidarity, equality and sustainability" — the parties reaffirmed their commitment to building a more balanced and just world order.
