India has urged BRICS nations to remove trade barriers and export controls, emphasizing mutual economic support within the bloc. The call was made during the 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting, hosted by Brazil under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” As India prepares to assume the BRICS Presidency in 2026, it commended Brazil’s solution-driven approach to addressing critical trade challenges and fostering equitable global commerce.
A key outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of the Joint Declaration, along with three annexures that reaffirm BRICS’ commitment to rules-based international trade. The documents adopted include the BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of the Multilateral Trading System, the BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding, and the BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework. These frameworks emphasize that climate-related trade measures should not be used for unjustifiable discrimination or disguised trade restrictions, reinforcing the bloc’s stance against unilateral actions that disrupt fair commerce.
Representing India at the forum, Economic Adviser Yashvir Singh reiterated India’s position on WTO reform, stressing the need for a Permanent Solution to Public Stockholding (PSH) for food security, an issue of critical importance to developing economies. India’s “30 for 30” proposal, aimed at introducing 30 incremental improvements to mark the 30th anniversary of the WTO in 2025, was also spotlighted as a step toward strengthening the global trading system. India emphasized that sustainable development is deeply embedded in its cultural ethos and must remain a cornerstone of international trade governance.
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding restrictive trade policies that disrupt global supply chains. India urged developed nations to ensure the concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), supported by adequate financial resources. India’s global initiative Mission LiFE, which promotes mindful consumption and circular economy practices, was highlighted as a model for equitable climate responsibility.
India reaffirmed its leadership in digital transformation and technology-driven economic growth, highlighting flagship initiatives such as Digital India and IndiaAI. The BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding recognized Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a vital tool for inclusive digital economic expansion, reinforcing India’s role in promoting artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and global data governance through forums like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the G20.
The meeting also marked a historic expansion with the induction of Indonesia as a new BRICS member in 2025. India welcomed Indonesia’s inclusion, viewing it as a strategic move toward strengthening BRICS’ presence in the Global South and enhancing multilateral cooperation.
India’s proactive stance on trade equity, WTO reform, sustainable development, and digital governance underscores its vision for an inclusive global economy, as it prepares to lead BRICS in 2026. The outcomes of the meeting reinforced the bloc’s commitment to fair trade, sustainable policies, and a decentralized global trade architecture that addresses the developmental needs of emerging economies.
