On May 21, 2025, the 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting was held under Brazil’s Presidency, themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”. India, represented by Economic Adviser Shri Yashvir Singh, called for dismantling export controls among BRICS members to boost intra-bloc trade and emphasized equitable climate-related trade measures and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for inclusive growth.
Dismantling Export Controls
Promoting Intra-BRICS Trade
India strongly opposed export controls among BRICS nations, advocating for mutual support to enhance trade and strengthen economic ties within the bloc. This move aims to eliminate restrictive trade measures that disrupt critical supply chains, fostering a more cohesive and resilient Global South trade architecture.
Climate-Related Trade Measures
Ensuring Fairness and Equity
The BRICS Joint Declaration cautioned against climate-related trade measures being used as tools for unjustifiable discrimination or disguised trade restrictions. India highlighted its Mission LiFE initiative, promoting mindful consumption and circular economy practices within an equitable climate responsibility framework, urging developed nations to support concessional transfers of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs).
| Key Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| Export Controls | India opposed intra-BRICS restrictions to boost trade |
| Climate Measures | Declaration against discriminatory trade restrictions |
| WTO Reform | “30 for 30” initiative for 30 improvements by 2025 |
| Digital Infrastructure | DPI recognized as key for digital transformation |
Digital Public Infrastructure for Transformation
India’s Leadership in Digital Governance
The BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding recognized DPI as a vital enabler of digital economic transformation. India reaffirmed its leadership through initiatives like Digital India and IndiaAI, committing to global cooperation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity via forums like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and G20.
WTO Reform and Food Security
“30 for 30” Initiative
India pushed for WTO reform, proposing the “30 for 30” initiative to introduce 30 incremental improvements by the WTO’s 30th anniversary in 2025. It also emphasized a Permanent Solution to Public Stockholding (PSH) for food security, addressing developmental needs of the Global South.
Key Highlights
- The 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting was held on May 21, 2025, under Brazil’s Presidency.
- India opposed export controls among BRICS members to enhance intra-bloc trade.
- BRICS Declaration cautioned against discriminatory climate-related trade measures.
- Digital Public Infrastructure recognized as key for inclusive digital transformation.
- India proposed “30 for 30” for 30 WTO reforms and a PSH solution for food security.