India champions fair trade & digital equity at 15th BRICS meeting

India welcomed the adoption of the Joint Declaration and three pivotal annexures:

• BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of Multilateral Trading System
• BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding
• BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework

These documents reinforced BRICS’ commitment to fair, rules-based, and inclusive global trade. India particularly underlined the need to prevent climate-related trade policies from becoming covert trade barriers, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement.

A speech on behalf of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal extended India’s appreciation to Brazil’s presidency for its consensus-building efforts and warmly welcomed Indonesia as a new BRICS member in 2025. Looking ahead to its 2026 presidency, India reaffirmed its commitment to a decentralised and development-oriented global trade architecture.

India spotlighted WTO reform, reiterating the urgency of a Permanent Solution on Public Stockholding for food security. It promoted its “30 for 30” initiative—proposing 30 targeted reforms to mark the WTO’s 30^th anniversary.

Representing India, Economic Adviser Yashvir Singh called for dismantling restrictive trade practices and advocated for concessional access to Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) for developing nations. He also highlighted Mission LiFE, India’s global campaign for sustainable consumption and climate equity.

Digital transformation was identified as a future area of deepened BRICS collaboration. India reiterated its digital leadership through Digital India, IndiaAI, and its active engagement with forums such as GPAI and G20. The BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding recognised Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as crucial to unlocking inclusive digital growth, the statement added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)