Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Sookal Urges BRICS Leadership on Conflict, Trade and Global Governance
Anil Sookal is South Africa’s representative in India.
He said the BRICS countries should help countries solve conflicts peacefully.
He also wants international organizations to give more power and representation to developing countries.
Sookal said wars and disagreements can make food and energy more expensive.
He believes India is trusted by both richer and developing countries.
He said India and China should cooperate even though they may sometimes disagree.
Sookal also said countries in BRICS are using their own currencies more often in trade.
He criticized the United States for excluding South Africa from recent G20 meetings.
South African High Commissioner Anil Sookal said BRICS should promote peace, dialogue and more inclusive global governance.
He called for reform of the United Nations and its Security Council, arguing that Africa and Latin America lack adequate representation.
Sookal expects the New Delhi summit to address food and energy security and the effects of ongoing conflicts.
He said India has gained trust in both the Global North and Global South, including through its engagement with Russia.
Sookal criticized South Africa’s exclusion from United States-led G20 proceedings and said the country remains a rightful G20 member.
- Who
- Anil Sookal, South Africa’s High Commissioner, discussed the issues in an interview with The Indian Express.
- What
- Sookal outlined South Africa’s expectations for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit and commented on global governance, trade, India-China relations and South Africa’s G20 exclusion.
- When
- The interview concerned the BRICS summit taking place this weekend; Sookal said South Africa had been excluded from G20 proceedings since December 2025.
- Where
- The BRICS Leaders’ Summit is being held in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- Sookal said BRICS should respond to conflicts, food and energy insecurity, weak global governance and the need for a stronger Global South voice.
- BRICS summit
- The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is being held in New Delhi.
- South Africa’s expectations
- South Africa wants stronger positions on food security, energy security and dialogue to resolve conflicts.
- Global South share
- Sookal said the Global South accounts for 85 percent of the global community.
- UN reform
- Sookal called for reform of the United Nations and its Security Council, citing limited African and Latin American representation.
- India’s projected growth
- Sookal said India is expected to grow by about 6.5 percent, compared with roughly 1 percent growth in Europe.
- Dollar share
- He said the dollar’s share of the IMF basket of currencies fell from about 80 percent to 57 percent.
- G20 exclusion
- Sookal said South Africa has not been invited to United States-led G20 proceedings since December 2025.