External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently emphasized the critical need for BRICS nations to play a proactive role in helping member states reduce their trade deficits. Speaking at the virtual BRICS summit held in 2025, Jaishankar highlighted that some of India’s largest trade imbalances are with fellow BRICS partners, underlining an urgent call for the bloc to address and resolve these economic disparities.

Jaishankar pointed out that the current global trade landscape is fraught with increasing barriers and complications, which only hinder sustainable economic cooperation. He stressed the importance of fostering a fair, transparent, and predictable international trading environment that benefits all parties involved. Against a backdrop of tariff conflicts—particularly with the United States—Jaishankar advocated for open, rules-based trade practices and encouraged BRICS members to lead by reviewing and rebalancing trade flows within the group itself.

Highlighting resilience as a key factor, he urged that supply chains be made more reliable, redundant, and regionally diversified to withstand global shocks. This approach not only helps stabilize trade but also promotes regional self-sufficiency, which is vital in times of economic uncertainty and conflict. Jaishankar’s suggestions point to democratizing manufacturing and fostering growth in multiple geographies rather than relying heavily on a few dominant countries.

For India, these discussions reflect the reality of a considerable trade deficit with China, the largest economy within BRICS, which reached nearly $100 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2025. Jaishankar’s call for expeditious solutions within the BRICS framework signifies India’s commitment to addressing these imbalances constructively, avoiding protectionism, and seeking cooperation based on mutual benefit. His remarks also included a critique of linking trade issues to non-trade political matters, underlining the need to focus on economic fundamentals to ensure lasting agreements.

This stance by India aligns with broader global concerns over the current state of the multilateral trading system, which has struggled amid ongoing conflicts, climate crises, and pandemic aftermaths. Jaishankar noted that BRICS, as a collective of emerging economies, should set an example by nurturing a fair and inclusive trade system that supports developing countries through special considerations when necessary.

In conclusion, Jaishankar’s message to BRICS is clear: trade imbalances among member states must be resolved through cooperative and transparent mechanisms. He envisions the bloc not just as an economic alliance but as a platform to rebuild trust, stabilize global trade flows, and usher in more equitable economic growth for all members. This perspective is crucial as BRICS seeks to enhance its role amid turbulent global economic conditions, creating a blueprint for other international forums on managing trade fairly and sustainably.

This call to action opens opportunities for deeper economic integration among BRICS nations and serves as a timely reminder that collaboration is essential to overcoming modern trade challenges, particularly for countries facing significant deficits within their own bloc. By addressing these issues directly, BRICS can strengthen its collective voice and influence in the global economic order.