**India’s External Affairs Minister to Attend BRICS Virtual Summit on Trade Disruptions**
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is set to represent the country at a virtual summit of the BRICS nations, convened by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva next week. The summit aims to address trade disruptions caused by U.S. trade and tariff policies, particularly those implemented during the Trump administration.
As the current chair of BRICS, Brazil is leading this initiative to foster a unified response among member countries, which include India, China, Russia, South Africa, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The meeting is scheduled for September 8, as confirmed by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a recent media briefing. He noted that the summit will be held at the leaders’ level, emphasizing its significance.
The backdrop to this summit includes a recent conversation between President Lula and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and energy cooperation. The U.S. has imposed substantial tariffs—up to 50%—on Brazilian exports, a situation mirrored in its trade relations with India. Reports suggest that President Lula will focus on these tariff issues during the summit discussions.
New Delhi’s decision to nominate Jaishankar for this summit reflects a strategic balancing act, especially as the U.S. grows increasingly wary of BRICS’ agenda. Former President Donald Trump has previously warned against any moves by BRICS towards “de-dollarisation,” highlighting the geopolitical tensions surrounding the group’s activities.
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, with Indonesia set to join in 2025. This coalition now represents approximately 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of global GDP, and about 26% of global trade, making it a significant player on the world stage.
In conclusion, the upcoming BRICS virtual summit represents a critical opportunity for member nations to collaborate on trade issues and navigate the challenges posed by U.S. policies. As global economic dynamics continue to evolve, the outcomes of this meeting could have lasting implications for international trade relations.
**FAQ**
**What is the purpose of the BRICS virtual summit?**
The BRICS virtual summit aims to address trade disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs and to develop a unified approach among member countries in response to these challenges.