External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who chaired the session, highlighted India’s upcoming leadership role as BRICS chair in 2026. He stressed that the grouping had become a “strong voice of reason and constructive change” at a time when multilateralism is under strain.
Jaishankar said India’s chairship will prioritize food and energy security, climate action, sustainable development, and digital innovation. He also emphasized dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. The ministers unanimously backed India as host of the 2026 BRICS Summit, calling it a milestone moment for emerging economies.
Condemnation of Terrorism
The joint statement also carried a sharp condemnation of terrorism, referencing the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. The ministers reiterated zero tolerance for terrorism in all forms, including cross-border financing and safe havens, and rejected double standards in global counter-terrorism policies.
“Terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,” the communiqué noted, stressing accountability for perpetrators.
Russia Pushes New Initiatives
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov used the meeting to push for new cooperative initiatives under BRICS. These included plans for a dedicated investment platform, a cross-border payments system, a grain exchange, and reinsurance infrastructure. Lavrov and Jaishankar also held bilateral discussions on India-Russia ties, the Ukraine conflict, and Middle East tensions.
Backdrop of Rising US Tariffs
The meeting was held against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, including a 50 percent levy on Indian goods and a 25 percent tariff on Russian oil purchases imposed by the Trump administration. BRICS leaders framed their joint stance as a political message of solidarity by emerging economies against coercive trade practices by the West.
For BRICS, the communique underscored not just trade concerns but also the broader push to strengthen multilateral institutions, protect developing countries, and amplify the Global South’s voice on the world stage.