The BRICS nations have expressed deep concern over the rising use of trade restrictions such as steep tariffs and non-tariff barriers, warning that such measures could severely disrupt global trade and further marginalize countries of the Global South.
The remarks came in a joint statement issued after the annual meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The session was chaired by India, which will assume the BRICS chairship in 2026.
Concerns Over Protectionism
In their communiqué, the ministers cautioned against the “indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures”, describing them as forms of protectionism that threaten to:
Reduce global trade flows
Disrupt supply chains
Increase uncertainty in international markets
They emphasized that such unilateral steps run contrary to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and risk fragmenting global trade.
The BRICS grouping, which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, urged nations to avoid policies that undermine fair trade and disadvantage developing economies.
Jaishankar’s Call for Multilateralism
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who hosted the session, stressed the need for BRICS to defend the multilateral trading system at a time when protectionist policies are on the rise.
“In a turbulent world, BRICS must reinforce the message of peacebuilding, dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law,” Jaishankar said.
He also urged the bloc to strengthen its call for reforms in the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council (UNSC), while highlighting the importance of cooperation in technology, food and energy security, climate change, and sustainable development during India’s chairship.
The ministers extended full support to India for hosting the BRICS Summit in 2026, which will also feature a standalone meeting of BRICS foreign ministers.
Strong Stand Against Terrorism
The joint statement condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism in all forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, financing, and safe havens.
They reiterated that terrorism should not be linked to any religion, nationality, or ethnicity and called for zero tolerance and accountability for those involved in terror activities, rejecting double standards in tackling the issue.
Tariffs Targeting India and Brazil
The meeting also came against the backdrop of recent U.S. tariff hikes. The Trump administration has imposed 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% punitive duty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. This makes India the highest tariff-burdened nation in Asia, with Brazil being the only other country facing such high trade barriers.
IBSA Nations Voice Similar Concerns
In a parallel session of the IBSA grouping (India, Brazil, and South Africa), foreign ministers also criticized “discriminatory” unilateral tariffs, stating that they violate WTO principles.
The IBSA leaders – Jaishankar, Brazilian FM Mauro Vieira, and South African FM Sindisiwe Chikunga – jointly called for UNSC reforms and reaffirmed their commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system.