India Shift Toward Ad Hoc Global Partnerships
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirms a strategic move away from formal multilateral institutions.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Economic Policy
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Is it more effective for countries to cooperate through formal institutions or ad hoc regional partnerships?
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle discussed the growing reliance on ad hoc cooperation mechanisms during a panel at the 2026 NDTV World Summit. Officials noted that countries increasingly favor these informal partnerships over formal institutional frameworks to avoid administrative burdens.
Why it matters
The shift highlights a global trend where major powers demonstrate reduced support for traditional multilateralism. Countries now prioritize mechanisms that deliver tangible results without the time-consuming negotiations inherent in formal treaty-bound commitments.
India has established nearly 50 distinct cooperation groupings over the past decade. Unlike traditional entities like BRICS, which operate without a formal secretariat or signed charter, these new arrangements prioritize efficiency.
The players
S Jaishankar
He is the External Affairs Minister of India who has presided over a significant expansion of the nation's informal diplomatic network.
Swarnim Wagle
He serves as the Finance Minister of Nepal and actively engages in regional discussions regarding shifting geopolitical alliances.
The details
During the discussion, ministers noted that formal multilateral commitments often consume excessive energy that sidelines original policy objectives. India specifically cited recent disaster assistance in the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi area as an example of successful, results-oriented cooperation.
Timeline
India provided earthquake assistance to Nepal in 2015.
India established nearly 50 groupings between 2016 and 2026.
The NDTV World Summit 2026 panel occurred on October 22, 2026.
Macro View
The rise of ad hoc groupings marks a departure from the traditional model seen in the formation of the BRICS economic bloc, which has historically relied on a more structured, albeit informal, membership framework.
The shift toward informal diplomacy may impact how multinational corporations and global investors navigate trade regulations and border stability. Readers should monitor these emerging alliances for potential changes to cross-border investment protections.
The takeaway
Nations are increasingly choosing speed and flexibility over the bureaucratic rigidity of formal international agreements. This trend suggests that future global cooperation will likely be defined by task-specific coalitions rather than broad, permanent institutions.
Further reading
For more on international economic cooperation, see our coverage of Economic Policy.
Live Poll
Is it more effective for countries to cooperate through formal institutions or ad hoc regional partnerships?
