Image Source: Deccan Herald
India's foreign minister delivered a significant address at the BRICS Summit 2025, highlighting crucial perspectives on global trade and economic cooperation amidst a challenging international landscape marked by rising trade barriers and geopolitical tensions. The minister stressed the imperative of maintaining fair, transparent, and inclusive economic practices that benefit all nations, underscoring the need for a cooperative approach to sustainable trade.
Stable and Predictable Trade Environment
India's External Affairs Minister emphasized the urgent necessity for a stable and predictable environment for global trade and investment. This call comes at a time when multiple disruptions, including major tariff impositions particularly related to the United States, pose serious risks to the flow of goods and services worldwide. The minister advocated for strengthening trade systems to be resilient through diversified, shorter, and reliable supply chains. This approach aims to mitigate shocks and ensure continuity even in uncertain times.
Constructive and Cooperative Trade Approaches
A key theme of the address centered on the need for constructive and cooperative approaches to promoting trade globally. The minister warned against the increasing trend of trade barriers and complicated transaction processes, arguing that these moves create more harm than good. The linkage of trade measures to unrelated non-trade issues was flagged as another trend undermining global commerce. India urged for the international trading system to adhere to foundational principles of openness, fairness, transparency, non-discrimination, inclusivity, and equity, with special consideration for developing countries.
India’s Role in BRICS Trade Dynamics
India views the BRICS bloc as a critical platform for enhancing trade flows among member states. The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve trade deficits with BRICS partners and stressed the importance of expediting solutions to economic imbalances. India advocates that BRICS itself should exemplify cooperation by reviewing and improving trade relationships within the group. The emphasis was placed on safeguarding the rules-based international trading system, with a preference for reforming multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) to reflect contemporary global realities.
Addressing Broader Global Challenges
Beyond trade specifics, the minister acknowledged broader global challenges impacting economic security. There was a pointed call for an urgent resolution to ongoing conflicts that disrupt global food, energy, and fertilizer supplies, particularly affecting the Global South. Disruptions in shipping and trade routes threaten livelihoods, and India emphasized that selective protectionist policies are no solution for a globally interconnected economy. The path forward was identified as peaceful diplomacy and durable conflict resolution.
Key Highlights from the BRICS Summit Address
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The world demands economic practices that are fair and transparent to ensure equitable benefits.
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Increasing trade barriers and complicated transactional processes do not aid global trade.
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Linking trade policy with unrelated political issues harms the stability of trade.
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BRICS countries must set an example by enhancing cooperation and resolving trade disputes internally.
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The international trading framework should remain open, inclusive, and based on clear rules, supporting developing nations.
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India calls for reform in multilateral institutions like the WTO to restore their relevance and effectiveness.
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The global community needs lasting peace solutions to alleviate disruptions in critical supply chains affecting food and energy security.
Context and Implications
The address is set against the backdrop of escalating tariff tensions, notably involving the United States, alongside a slowing down of global trade progress and challenges in the multilateral system. India’s participation in the BRICS Summit, represented by the External Affairs Minister, reflects its strategic positioning to influence emerging economies toward more cooperative economic governance. The minister’s message aligns with India’s broader agenda of promoting South-South cooperation, enhancing regional self-sufficiency, and fostering sustainable development through multilateralism.
With BRICS members expanding and deepening economic ties, the summit also highlighted India’s efforts through platforms like the New Development Bank to fuel infrastructure and sustainable projects, enhancing cooperative development within the group’s framework. India’s approach emphasizes pragmatic engagement with global powers while advocating for fairer trade regimes and peaceful resolution of conflicts to support global economic stability.
This comprehensive address by India's Foreign Minister at the BRICS Summit reaffirms the nation's commitment to fair, transparent, and inclusive economic practices, underscoring the critical role of multilateral cooperation in navigating the 21st-century global trade landscape.
Source: Reuters, Times of India, Ministry of External Affairs (India)
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