BRICS Declaration highlights concerns over unilateral climate-related trade measures

Digital Public Infrastructure recognised as a tool for inclusive digital transformation

The 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting was held on 21st May 2025 under the Presidency of Brazil, with the theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” India used the platform to oppose export controls among BRICS members, encouraging mutual support within the bloc. As India prepares to assume the BRICS Presidency in 2026, it commended the solution-oriented approach of the Brazilian Presidency in addressing critical trade issues.

A key outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of the Joint Declaration along with three annexures:

1. BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of Multilateral Trading System
2. BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding
3. BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework

These documents collectively reaffirm BRICS’ commitment to equitable, inclusive, and rules-based global trade. The Declaration especially emphasised that climate-related trade measures should not serve as tools of unjustifiable discrimination or disguised trade restrictions.

A speech delivered on behalf of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal extended India’s appreciation to Brazil for its efforts in building consensus and welcomed Indonesia’s induction as a new BRICS member in 2025. Reaffirming India’s commitment to a fair, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system, the speech called on BRICS nations to promote a decentralised global trade architecture that addresses the developmental needs of the Global South.

On the subject of WTO reform, India highlighted the need for resolving longstanding developmental issues, particularly calling for a Permanent Solution to Public Stockholding (PSH) for food security. The Indian proposal of “30 for 30,” which seeks to introduce 30 incremental improvements to mark WTO’s 30th anniversary in 2025, was also emphasised. India reiterated that sustainable development is deeply rooted in its cultural ethos and must remain a cornerstone of international trade governance.

Representing India at the meeting Economic Adviser in the Department of Commerce, Shri Yashvir Singh, emphasised the need to eliminate restrictive trade measures that disrupt critical supply chains. India urged developed nations to ensure the concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), supported by adequate financial resources. The speech also spotlighted Mission LiFE, India’s global initiative advocating mindful consumption and circular economy practices as part of an equitable climate responsibility framework.

Digital transformation and technology-driven growth were recognised as vital areas for future collaboration. India reaffirmed its leadership in inclusive digital governance through flagship initiatives like Digital India and IndiaAI. It also reiterated its commitment to global cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity under forums such as the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and G20. The BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding acknowledged DPI as a key enabler of digital economic transformation.

Dismantling export controls among BRICS urged to protect supply chains and ensure equitable, rules-based trade cooperation. India urged dismantling export controls among BRICS members and elimination of restrictive trade measures that disrupt supply chains, while endorsing a Joint Declaration and annexures reaffirming commitment to equitable, rules-based trade. The Declaration warned that climate-related trade measures must not become unjustifiable discrimination or disguised restrictions. India sought a Permanent Solution for Public Stockholding for food security, promoted its '30 for 30' WTO proposal, called for concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies with financing, and emphasised Digital Public Infrastructure and data economy governance for inclusive digital transformation.