External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged that BRICS must defend the multilateral trading system as tariff volatility and protectionism threaten global trade. Speaking in New York during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), he stressed the bloc’s responsibility in safeguarding fair trade practices.
Jaishankar highlighted that “when multilateralism is under stress, BRICS has stood firm as a voice of reason and constructive change.” He added that BRICS must reinforce dialogue, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and respect for international law.
His remarks came weeks after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods and an additional 25% penalty on India’s purchase of Russian oil, among the steepest globally.
The minister also emphasized the urgent need to reform key UN institutions, especially the Security Council. He said technology and innovation will shape the next phase of BRICS cooperation. Looking ahead to India’s chairship in 2026, Jaishankar outlined priorities such as food and energy security, climate change, sustainable growth, and digital transformation.
On the margins of UNGA, he met leaders from Austria, Russia, UAE, Brazil, South Africa, and CELAC countries, discussing trade, health, technology, and critical minerals. He reiterated that BRICS must defend the multilateral trading system to protect the interests of the Global South.
