External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has urged the BRICS bloc to strengthen its defense of the multilateral trading system at a time when global trade is increasingly challenged by protectionism, tariff volatility, and non-tariff barriers. His remarks came during a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.
BRICS as a Voice of Stability
In a social media post summarizing his address, Jaishankar said that BRICS has consistently been a “strong voice of reason and constructive change” when multilateralism is under pressure.
“In a turbulent world, BRICS must reinforce the message of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law,” he stressed.
Pushback Against Tariffs and Trade Barriers
Jaishankar’s call comes weeks after the United States imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. These moves have raised concerns over trade flows and global supply chain stability.
He emphasized that BRICS nations must work collectively to defend multilateral trading frameworks to ensure fair and balanced trade in the face of rising restrictions.
Focus on UN Reform and Technology Cooperation
Beyond trade, Jaishankar also called on BRICS to amplify its collective demand for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council (UNSC), to reflect current global realities.
Looking ahead, he noted that technology and innovation would play a defining role in the next phase of BRICS cooperation. India, which will assume the chairship of BRICS in 2026, plans to prioritize:
Food and energy security
Climate change and sustainable development
Digital transformation, startups, and innovation
Strengthened development partnerships
Diplomatic Engagements at UNGA
On the margins of the UNGA, Jaishankar held bilateral and multilateral meetings with several leaders:
Met counterparts from Sierra Leone, Romania, Cuba, Austria, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Russia, Uruguay, Colombia, Antigua and Barbuda, and others.
Discussed bilateral cooperation with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Held talks with Austrian FM Beate Meinl-Reisinger on India-Europe geopolitical choices.
Joined IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) ministers in calling for transformative UNSC reform.
Met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to review bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict, and developments in West Asia.
Co-chaired the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Colombian FM Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, agreeing to boost cooperation in agriculture, trade, health, digital initiatives, disaster relief, and capacity building while exploring new areas such as AI, critical minerals, space, and renewable energy.
Jaishankar emphasized that India and CELAC partners also share the urgent need to reform multilateral institutions to better represent the Voice of the Global South.