New York, Sept 28:
In a strong message to Washington, BRICS countries have expressed deep concern over US tariffs and trade restrictions, warning that such policies could disrupt global supply chains and threaten global economic growth.
The statement came after a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
US Tariffs a Threat to Global Trade
The joint communique issued after the meeting said:
Rising tariffs and non-tariff measures risk reducing global trade.
Supply chains may face major disruptions.
Unilateral policies could increase economic inequality and global uncertainty.
The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE—stated that US actions violate WTO rules and risk marginalizing the Global South.
Jaishankar: BRICS Must Stand Firm
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed that:
Global trade is being hurt by protectionism, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers.
BRICS must work to defend the multilateral trading system.
In times of instability, BRICS should stand for peace, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.
He further said BRICS must strengthen its collective push for UN reforms, particularly in the UN Security Council. India’s BRICS presidency in 2026 will focus on:
Food and energy security
Climate change & digital transformation
Startups, innovation & sustainable development
Full Support for India’s 2026 Presidency
The Ministers extended full support for India’s BRICS presidency in 2026, including hosting the BRICS Summit and a separate meeting of foreign ministers in India.
Condemnation of Terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir
The BRICS Ministers also strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. They reaffirmed their commitment to:
Fight terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, financing, and safe havens.
Ensure zero tolerance and reject double standards in global counterterrorism.
Avoid linking terrorism with any religion, nationality, or ethnicity.
“All those involved must be brought to justice in line with national and international law,” the joint statement emphasized.
✅ In summary: BRICS has sent a united message against US unilateral tariffs and protectionism, pledging to safeguard multilateral trade while also backing India’s leadership in 2026. At the same time, the bloc reiterated a firm stand against terrorism.
