At a time when global cooperation is under severe pressure, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed that BRICS has remained a “strong voice of reason and constructive change.”
Hosting the BRICS Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, Jaishankar highlighted how rising protectionism, unpredictable tariffs, and non-tariff barriers are harming trade and disproportionately affecting developing nations.
He urged that BRICS nations must stand firm in defending the multilateral trading system and push back against attempts to use trade as a form of coercion. In a turbulent world, BRICS must reinforce the message of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Concerns Over Rising Trade Restrictions
On Friday, BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE—issued a joint statement expressing serious concern about the spread of trade-restrictive measures. They pointed to the “indiscriminate rising” of tariffs and protectionist policies, warning that such practices:
- Threatening to shrink global trade,
- Disrupt supply chains,
- Increase economic uncertainty, and
- Risk pushing Global South countries further to the margins.
The ministers stressed that such unilateral actions go against World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and undermine global economic development.
Call for UN Reforms and Future Agenda
Jaishankar further emphasized that BRICS must raise a united voice for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council, to better reflect today’s global realities.
He underlined that technology and innovation would shape the future of BRICS cooperation. Under India’s Chairship of BRICS in 2026, the country plans to focus on:
- Food and energy security
- Climate change and sustainability
- Digital transformation and startups
- Innovation and stronger development partnerships
The ministers welcomed India’s upcoming role as BRICS Chair in 2026 and confirmed their participation in the standalone BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in India.
Condemnation of Terrorism
The BRICS joint communiqué also condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The ministers:
- Reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism in all forms,
- Stressed the need to eliminate cross-border terrorism, terror financing, and safe havens,
- Declared that terrorism cannot be linked to any religion, nationality, or ethnic group,
- Demanded accountability for all who support or engage in terrorism.
India–Russia Talks on the Sidelines
The BRICS meeting also provided an opportunity for Jaishankar to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Their discussions covered:
- Bilateral ties between India and Russia,
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict,
- Middle East developments.
Lavrov, during the BRICS session, highlighted the importance of strengthening joint initiatives such as:
- A new investment platform,
- Cross-border payment systems,
- Reinsurance mechanisms,
- A proposed BRICS grain exchange.
Jaishankar later described his conversation with Lavrov as “useful,” noting that it helped deepen dialogue on both regional and global issues.
This meeting reflected BRICS’ growing role as a balancing force in world politics—seeking fair trade, inclusive global governance, and a strong stance against terrorism—while also showing internal solidarity as India prepares to lead the bloc in 2026.
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