Speaking at the virtual Brics virtual meeting, Jaishankar said the group should focus on building a more resilient supply chain, especially at a time when multiple disruptions are affecting international trade.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday, speaking at the Brics summit 2025, stressed the need for fair and transparent economic practices that benefit all amid rising trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Speaking at the virtual Brics virtual meeting, Jaishankar said the group should focus on building a more resilient supply chain, especially at a time when multiple disruptions are affecting international trade. He addressed the summit in place of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“It is imperative that economic practices are fair, transparent and to everyone’s benefit. When there are multiple disruptions, our objective should be to proof it against such shocks. That means creating more resilient, reliable, redundant and shorter supply chains,” Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar pointed at several pressing global challenges that demand collective attention. “The last few years have witnessed the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic, major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, volatility in trade and investment flows, extreme climate events and a discernible slowing down of the SDG Agenda. In the face of these challenges, the multilateral system appears to be failing the world,” he said.
He added that ongoing conflicts have direct developmental and supply chain implications, stressing the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve hostilities and ensure solutions.
The minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to a rules-based international trading system. “India strongly believes that this should be protected and nurtured,” he said, while calling for constructive approaches to ensure sustainable trade.
JAISHANKAR URGES BRICS TO EASE TRADE BARRIERS AMID INDIA’S DEFICITS
The minister warned against increasing trade barriers or linking trade measures to non-trade matters, urging Brics nations to set a positive example. He also pointed out India’s trade imbalances within the grouping.
“Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to non-trade matters. The Brics itself can set an example by reviewing trade flows among its member states. Where India is concerned, some of our biggest deficits are with Brics partners and we have been pressing for expeditious solutions. We hope that this realisation will be part of the takeaways from today’s meeting,” he added.
The EAM expressed gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva for convening the Brics Summit.
