BRICS Summit: India Issues Stark Warning on Trade Wars as Trump Tariffs Bite
New Delhi, India – September 8, 2025 – In a powerful address to the Virtual BRICS Summit today, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar delivered a sharp rebuke of escalating global trade tensions, specifically targeting tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The warning comes as India faces over 50% tariffs on its exports due to purchasing oil from Russia, a move the Indian government has labeled “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” This is urgent breaking news impacting global markets and geopolitical stability.
Jaishankar Urges Fair Trade Practices at Expanded BRICS Forum
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar emphasized the “imperative” need for a “fair, transparent, and beneficial” global commercial environment. He stressed that shielding the global economy from “multiple disruptions” – a clear reference to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events – requires building “more resilient, reliable and diversified supply chains.”
The BRICS economic bloc, originally comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has undergone significant expansion, recently welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion reflects a growing desire among nations in the Global South to forge alternative economic partnerships and challenge the traditional dominance of Western financial institutions. This makes the current trade climate even more critical for the bloc’s future success.
The Ripple Effect of Trump’s Tariffs: A Deepening Crisis
The immediate catalyst for Jaishankar’s strong words is the Trump administration’s secondary tariffs levied against India for continuing to purchase Russian oil. These tariffs have dramatically increased the cost of Indian exports, creating a significant economic strain. The situation highlights a broader trend of weaponizing trade policy, a tactic that experts warn could unravel decades of progress towards global economic integration. It’s a stark reminder that trade isn’t just about economics; it’s deeply intertwined with geopolitics.
Evergreen Insight: The use of tariffs as a political tool isn’t new. Historically, tariffs have been employed to protect domestic industries, retaliate against unfair trade practices, or exert political pressure. However, the scale and scope of the current trade disputes, particularly those initiated by the Trump administration, represent a significant departure from established norms. Understanding this historical context is crucial for interpreting current events and anticipating future developments.
Beyond Tariffs: A Call for Multilateral Reform
Jaishankar didn’t limit his criticism to US trade policy. He also voiced concerns about the broader state of the multilateral system, calling for urgent reform of the United Nations and its Security Council. He argued that existing structures are often paralyzed by blockages, hindering consensus on “key” issues. This call for reform echoes growing frustration among many nations with the perceived inadequacies of existing global governance mechanisms.
He also pointed out that India itself maintains significant trade deficits with several BRICS partners, acknowledging the complexities of economic relationships within the bloc. He cautioned that protectionism and the politicization of commerce will ultimately undermine international stability.
The Future of BRICS: A Counterweight to Global Uncertainty?
The BRICS Summit is taking place against a backdrop of unprecedented global uncertainty. Wars, climate change, and economic instability are all converging to create a volatile and unpredictable world. The expanded BRICS forum represents a potential counterweight to these challenges, offering a platform for nations to cooperate on issues of mutual concern and promote a more multipolar world order. Whether BRICS can effectively navigate these turbulent times and fulfill its potential remains to be seen, but its growing influence is undeniable.
As the world grapples with these interconnected crises, the message from the BRICS Summit is clear: a stable, predictable, and equitable global economic environment is not just desirable, it’s essential. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the evolving global landscape. For more breaking news and SEO-optimized content, explore our global affairs section.
