For an idea agreed upon less than a year ago, the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Forum has moved fast with the countries today finalising an agenda for cooperation and a plan of action on subjects ranging from UN reforms, security and terrorism to transport links and addressing social issues.Foreign ministers of the three countries underlined that the grouping is not against anyone, but a collective effort for constructive influence on the global stage. As Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha put it: ‘‘IBSA is for better cooperation, both South-South and South-North. It is not against anyone, but for everything that is positive and constructive in the global scene.’’He said the three ministers have touched upon greater cooperation in multilateral fora, to press for urgent UN reforms, to ensure globalisation does not lead to marginalising some countries and to improve exchange among the three countries in various fields.Besides the contributions towards creating a fund for eradicating poverty and hunger, the three countries have also agreed to set up a trilateral business council. They have agreed to have a mega trilateral cultural event and a technology day for technical experts from the three countries.Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Armorin further underlined the potential of the forum and highlighted the fact that the three countries represent three major continents. ‘‘We can have a greater say in international politics and on concrete issues like the Middle-East peace process. Don’t underestimate the capacity of three large democracies from different continents to influence international politics.’’South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma said her country would support the candidature of India and Brazil for membership of the UN Security Council. She hoped the two countries will extend their support to the country nominated by African nations. India and Brazil will support each other’s case.On compliance with non-proliferation and disarmament, the three countries agreed to intensify their cooperation at the IAEA and other fora to ensure growth and development of peaceful use of atomic energy through supply of technology, equipment and material under safeguards.
