BRIC Nations must find “practical ways” to deal with geopolitical turmoil and “unilateral coercive” sanctions.Addressing the opening day of the two-day BRICS summit, Jaishankar said respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain at the center of international relations, stressing that “dialogue and diplomacy” provide the only lasting path to conflict resolution.Jaishankar said, “The conflict in West Asia needs special attention. Continued tensions, risks to maritime traffic and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation.”They stressed that safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, are vital for global economic well-being.The Minister also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated India’s support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.“The wider region also gives rise to grave concerns. The conflict in Gaza has serious humanitarian implications.“A sustainable ceasefire, humanitarian access and a credible pathway to a durable and peaceful solution are essential. As far as the Palestine issue is concerned, India supports a two-state solution,” he said.Jaishankar also referred to the situations in Sudan, Yemen and Libya, as well as the challenges facing Lebanon and Syria, and called for continued international involvement and coordinated diplomatic efforts.“Taken together, they underline a clear reality: stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot happen in pieces. It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure,” he said.He said India stands ready to contribute constructively to efforts to reduce tensions and support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.Without naming any country, Jaishankar also underlined the need to address what he described as “increasing resort to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter”.“Such measures disproportionately impact developing countries,” he said. “These unfair measures cannot replace dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy.”The minister described terrorism as a “constant threat” and said terrorism cannot be justified in any form.“Cross-border terrorism violates the basic principles of international relations. Zero tolerance must remain an uncompromising and universal norm,” he said.Jaishankar also highlighted concerns over trust, transparency and equitable access in the face of rapid technological advancements and stressed the need to bridge the digital divide.On climate change, he said climate action must go hand in hand with climate justice, supported by credible commitments, adequate financing and accessible support.The External Affairs Minister also stressed on reforms in the United Nations Security Council.He said, “Despite mounting challenges, the multilateral system is unfortunately weakening. The state of the United Nations, which lies at its core, is particularly worrying. With each passing day, the case for reformed multilateralism is becoming stronger.”“This includes reform of the UN Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. Continued delays come at a high cost,” he said.“The message of our times is clear: cooperation is essential, dialogue is essential, and reform is overdue. Jaishankar said, we must work together to shape a more stable, equitable and inclusive international order.The meeting hosted by India assumes significance as the BRICS grouping is grappling with the economic consequences of the West Asia crisis, particularly disruption in energy supplies, as well as Washington’s policy on trade and tariffs.Leaders attending the conference include Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Brazil’s Mauro Vieira, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola.India, which currently chairs BRICS, is hosting the foreign ministers’ conference ahead of the group’s annual summit in September.