New Delhi, May 14 -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that discussions on the "institutional development" of the BRICS grouping have been advanced, stressing that such reforms are "essential for smooth advancement" of the bloc.

Delivering his welcome remarks at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Jaishankar said India, as Chair, has been working to promote a more inclusive and collaborative framework for the grouping through sustained engagement with partner countries.

The External Affairs Minister said discussions have been taken forward, including on integrating new members and updating existing mechanisms to improve coordination.

"Promoting a more inclusive and collaborative BRICS framework, we, as the Chair...