New Delhi: Amid tensions triggered by Donald Trump’s steep tariffs, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday stressed on the need for fair and transparent economic practices that benefit all.
Jaishankar, who represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the virtual BRICS meeting, said the group needs to focus on building a more resilient supply chain at a time when international trade is facing multiple disruptions.
“It is imperative that economic practices are fair, transparent and to everyone’s benefit. When there are multiple disruptions, our objective should be to proof it against such shocks. That means creating more resilient, reliable, redundant and shorter supply chains,” Jaishankar said.
Warning against increasing trade barriers or linking trade measures to non-trade matters, Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to set a positive example, and pointed out India’s trade imbalances within the grouping.
“Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to non-trade matters. The BRICS itself can set an example by reviewing trade flows among its member states. Where India is concerned, some of our biggest deficits are with BRICS partners and we have been pressing for expeditious solutions. We hope that this realisation will be part of the takeaways from today’s meeting,” he added.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to a rules-based international trading system. “India strongly believes that this should be protected and nurtured,” he said.
The External Affairs minister noted there were a number of important global challenges that demand collective attention. “The last few years have witnessed the devastating impact of the COVID pandemic, major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, volatility in trade and investment flows, extreme climate events and a discernible slowing down of the SDG Agenda. In the face of these challenges, the multilateral system appears to be failing the world,” Jaishankar said.
He highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve multiple ongoing conflicts which have direct developmental and supply chain implications.
Represented PM @narendramodi at the virtual BRICS Summit earlier this evening.
India’s message was that BRICS should work towards stabilizing the international economy, address the impact of ongoing conflicts on the Global South & proactively support reforming multilateralism.… pic.twitter.com/ubTuyPs02D
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 8, 2025
