Jaishankar to Represent India at BRICS Virtual Summit Amid Trade Disruptions
- Jaishankar to represent India at the BRICS virtual summit called by Brazil’s President Lula on Monday.
- Summit focus: tackling US-led trade and tariff disruptions; Lula to raise 50% tariffs imposed on Brazilian exports.
- Expanded BRICS bloc: now 10 members, representing 49.5% of global population, 40% of GDP, and 26% of trade.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the upcoming BRICS virtual summit on Monday, convened Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to address the economic fallout of Washington’s trade and tariff measures.
The meeting is expected to chart a collective strategy for navigating the trade tensions triggered by the Trump administration’s tariff policies. Brazil currently holds the BRICS chairmanship. The expanded bloc now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, making it a 10-member grouping.
Last month, Lula held a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in energy and trade. Brazil has faced similar tariff challenges as India, with the US imposing 50% duties on Brazilian exports. Lula is expected to raise the tariff issue prominently at the summit.
According to reports, New Delhi’s decision to send Jaishankar instead of the Prime Minister is seen as part of a “balancing act” in light of Washington’s increasing concerns over BRICS’ agenda.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned the bloc against pursuing “de-dollarization” efforts. BRICS, which began with five founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa expanded in 2024 with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, followed by Indonesia in 2025.
Today, BRICS represents nearly half of the world’s population (49.5%), contributes 40% of global GDP, and accounts for 26% of international trade, underscoring its growing influence in global economic affairs.
