New Delhi, Sep.06,2025:On September 8, 2025, a pivotal virtual summit of the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—will convene to address the escalating trade tensions stemming from U.S. tariff policies. In a notable shift, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the summit; instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India. This development underscores India’s strategic approach to navigating complex international trade dynamics.
BRICS Virtual Summit Details
The summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aims to formulate a unified response to the U.S. administration’s recent tariff impositions. These tariffs have disrupted global trade flows, prompting BRICS nations to seek collaborative solutions. The meeting is expected to culminate in a joint statement outlining the group’s collective stance on these trade issues.
India’s Representation
The decision for External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to attend the summit instead of Prime Minister Modi reflects India’s diplomatic strategy. This move allows India to engage in multilateral discussions while maintaining a balanced relationship with the United States. Minister Jaishankar has emphasized the importance of continued engagement with the U.S., highlighting the significance of the India-U.S. partnership.
U.S. Tariff Policies and Their Impact
The U.S. administration’s imposition of tariffs on BRICS nations, including a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods, has raised concerns among these countries. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick outlined three conditions for removing these tariffs: India must cease purchasing oil from Russia, exit the BRICS grouping, and align more closely with U.S. policies.
These conditions have sparked debates within India, with officials asserting that the nation’s oil purchases from Russia are driven by economic considerations rather than political alignment.
Brazil’s Role and Leadership
As the current chair of BRICS, Brazil has taken a proactive role in addressing the challenges posed by U.S. tariff policies. President Lula’s leadership aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation among BRICS nations and counteract what is perceived as unilateral trade actions by the U.S.
India’s Strategic Position
India’s participation in the BRICS virtual summit, led by Minister Jaishankar, reflects the country’s commitment to multilateralism and strategic autonomy. While engaging with BRICS, India continues to value its relationship with the United States, navigating the complexities of global trade and diplomacy.
The upcoming BRICS virtual summit represents a critical juncture for member nations to address the challenges posed by U.S. tariff policies. India’s representation by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscores the nation’s balanced approach to international relations, emphasizing the importance of both multilateral engagement and bilateral partnerships. As the summit approaches, the global community watches closely to see how BRICS nations will collectively respond to the evolving trade landscape.
