BRICS Ministers Call For WTO Reform, Criticise Unilateral Sanctions And Trade Barriers

The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focused on the impact of unilateral coercive measures and protectionist trade policies. Ministers highlighted that these actions contradict the principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and disproportionately affect emerging markets and vulnerable populations.

Criticism Of Unilateral Measures

BRICS members reaffirmed that they do not impose or support sanctions outside UN Security Council authorization. They condemned unilateral tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and secondary sanctions, stressing that such measures:

• Violate international law and WTO rules
• Harm food, health, and energy security in developing nations
• Widen the digital divide and exacerbate economic inequality 

WTO Reform And Trade Stability

• The ministers called for restoring a fully functioning WTO dispute settlement mechanism, including the appointment of appellate body members. They urged reforms to ensure:
• Non-discriminatory, fair, and inclusive trade practices
• Special treatment for developing and least-developed countries
• Greater resilience in global supply chains against disruptions 

India’s Position

EAM S. Jaishankar stressed that unilateral sanctions and coercive measures cannot replace dialogue and diplomacy. He warned that such actions disproportionately hurt developing countries and highlighted the importance of safe maritime flows through critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea for global economic well-being. 

Key Highlights

•⁠  ⁠BRICS condemned unilateral sanctions and coercive measures not authorised by the UN

•⁠  ⁠Ministers said such actions contradict WTO principles and harm developing nations

•⁠  ⁠Call for WTO reform and restoration of dispute settlement mechanism

•⁠  ⁠India stressed safe maritime flows and warned against coercive economic policies

•⁠  ⁠BRICS reiterated support for fairer global governance and stronger representation of the Global South

Sources: Mint, CNBC TV18, Outlook Business, United News of India, The New Indian Express, Qazinform News Agency, Asianet Newsable