External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to represent India at the BRICS virtual summit on September 8, 2025. The summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will address pressing issues including trade tariffs imposed by the United States under the Trump administration and the promotion of multilateralism.
The virtual meeting is particularly significant due to heightened tensions between BRICS nations and the U.S. over trade policies. The agenda includes discussions on the steep tariffs levied by Washington on imports from India and Brazil. Specifically, India has voiced strong concerns over the 25% tariff imposed by the U.S., viewing it as "unfair and unreasonable". This tariff is allegedly linked to India's continued procurement of Russian oil. Brazil is also facing a 50% tariff on key exports, such as coffee.
During the summit, Jaishankar is expected to highlight the critical importance of energy security and strategic autonomy for India. He will likely emphasize the need for a balanced, multilateral approach to global trade. The BRICS nations, including China, Russia, and South Africa, are anticipated to coordinate their response to the U.S. trade actions.
The timing of this BRICS summit is noteworthy, as it follows the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, where leaders from China, Russia, and India convened. This series of high-level meetings underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape and the efforts of emerging economies to strengthen cooperation.
Brazilian officials have clarified that the BRICS meeting should not be interpreted as an "anti-US summit". However, the discussions will undoubtedly focus on mitigating the adverse effects of U.S. trade policies on BRICS member states. President Lula da Silva aims to foster closer cooperation among emerging economies and reinforce the principles of multilateralism in the face of increasing protectionist measures.
India's participation in the BRICS summit reflects a strategic balancing act, as the U.S. has expressed concerns regarding the BRICS agenda. By engaging with BRICS partners, India aims to protect its economic interests and advocate for a more equitable global order. This approach aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives of promoting a multipolar world and safeguarding its energy security.
The summit will provide a platform for BRICS leaders to address shared challenges, exchange perspectives, and explore avenues for enhanced collaboration. Key areas of focus are expected to include trade, investment, energy, and sustainable development. The BRICS nations are likely to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and work towards a more inclusive and representative global governance architecture.
