United Nations, September 27: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called on BRICS nations to stand united in defending the multilateral trading system against growing global protectionism and trade barriers. He made the remarks at the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday.
“As rising protectionism, tariff volatility, and non-tariff barriers impact trade flows, BRICS must defend the multilateral trading system,” Jaishankar told his counterparts, warning that the grouping faces targeted challenges.
Although he did not name the United States directly, his comments came amid reports of US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose extra tariffs on BRICS members, alongside steep duties already levied on imports from India, Brazil, and South Africa.
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera Admassu, echoed the call, urging “stronger collective action to tackle global challenges,” and emphasizing BRICS’ role in shaping a fairer world for the Global South.
Jaishankar stressed that beyond trade, BRICS must push for comprehensive UN reforms, especially of the Security Council, and remain a “voice of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.”
He also joined the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) foreign ministers’ meeting, where the trio pressed for transformative UNSC reforms, deeper trade links, and cooperation in areas like maritime security and academic exchanges.
Looking ahead, Jaishankar said India will focus on food and energy security, climate change, digital transformation, startups, and innovation when it assumes the BRICS chairmanship next year. “Technology and innovation will define the next phase of BRICS cooperation,” he asserted.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now includes ten emerging economies working together on development issues. The bloc’s New Development Bank is also planning to issue its first Indian rupee-denominated bond in the domestic market before March 2026, according to a Reuters report.
