Washington D.C.: India has called on BRICS nations to safeguard the multilateral trading system and uphold international law, as global protectionist pressures mount. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made the remarks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Friday, hosting a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers including Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa.
Though he did not name the United States directly, Jaishankar’s comments were widely seen as a rebuke of President Donald Trump’s economic policies, which have been openly critical of BRICS.
BRICS agenda under India’s chairship
Jaishankar emphasised that under India’s current chairship, BRICS will prioritise food and energy security, climate change, and sustainable development. He said,
“As rising protectionism, tariff volatility and non-tariff barriers impact trade flows, BRICS must defend the multilateral trading system. In a turbulent world, BRICS must reinforce the message of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law.”
The meeting also served as a platform to coordinate positions on global trade, economic cooperation, and diplomatic initiatives, underscoring India’s leadership role in the grouping.
Expansion of BRICS and US concerns
BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now has ten full members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia. Another ten countries are partner states, and 10 more have officially applied for membership, while over a dozen have expressed interest.
The expansion has raised concerns in Washington, with Trump describing BRICS as a threat to US economic primacy and the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency. In a Truth Social post following his 2024 election win, Trump warned of 100% tariffs should BRICS pursue de-dollarisation or create a new currency.
India, however, clarified that it does not support de-dollarisation, stressing that the focus is on strengthening multilateral trade rather than undermining the US dollar.
Parallel IBSA meeting
On the sidelines of UNGA, Jaishankar also hosted a meeting of IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) ministers. The discussions emphasised UN Security Council reform, maritime exercises, a Trust Fund, and intra-IBSA trade, reflecting India’s efforts to deepen south-south cooperation.
Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with counterparts, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reinforcing India’s active diplomacy during the UNGA high-level week.
Conclusion
India’s statements at BRICS and IBSA meetings highlight its determination to defend the rules-based global order and multilateral trade, while navigating rising geopolitical tensions. As BRICS expands, India aims to balance its leadership role without provoking trade conflicts, particularly with the United States, underscoring the country’s strategic diplomacy on the global stage.