In May 2025, the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Brazil under the Presidency of Brazil, focusing on the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” The meeting focused on fostering intra-BRICS trade solidarity.
- India was represented by Yashvir Singh, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce(DoC), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), who opposed export controls among BRICS members and called for smooth supply chains and stronger cooperation within the bloc.
Note: India to assume BRICS’ Presidency in 2026.
India’s Key Proposals and Initiatives:
i.Opposition to Export Controls: India urged BRICS members to dismantle internal export restrictions that hinder trade and disrupt critical supply chains, advocating for mutual support within the bloc.
ii.WTO Reforms: India proposed the “30 for 30” initiative, which aims to introduce 30 reforms to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2025, with a key focus on securing a Permanent Solution to Public Stockholding (PSH) for food security.
iii.Climate and Technology: India called upon developed nations to provide concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), with financial support to promote sustainability.
Adoption of Joint Declaration and Annexures:
A significant outcome was the endorsement of a comprehensive Joint Declaration accompanied by three key annexures:
i.BRICS Declaration on WTO Reform and Strengthening of Multilateral Trading System: Advocates equitable global trade rules and opposes climate-related measures as disguised trade barriers.
ii.BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding: Recognizes Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as vital for economic transformation
iii.BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework: Emphasizes sustainable development as a cornerstone of trade governance
India Hosts Virtual Capacity Building Session on Digital Transformation in BRICS
In May 2025, India hosted a Virtual Capacity Building Session on Digital Transformation for BRICS nations, organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communication (MoC) through the National Communications Academy – Technology (NCA-T), Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh, UP).
- The session was inaugurated by Daniel Cavalcanti, BRICS Chair, and Atul Sinha, Director General (DG) of NCA-T, India.
- The session convened under the BRICS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Working Group, aimed to address shared challenges and promote scalable solutions in mobile security, cyber resilience, digital infrastructure, and digital twin technology.
Thematic Sessions:
The four thematic sessions addressed pressing challenges and opportunities in the digital domain:
i.Empowering Mobile Users: India showcased its flagship Sanchar Saathi initiative aimed at protecting mobile users from fraud, enhancing transparency, and ensuring equitable access to mobile services.
ii.Cyber Resilience for the 21st Century: India and Brazil led presentations on their national approaches to cyber resilience, emphasizing preparedness, rapid response, and cross-border cooperation to counter cyber threats.
iii.DPI: India presented AADHAAR as a foundational DPI that has revolutionized public service delivery through identity-based digital inclusion.
iv.Digital Twin Technology: India introduced its Sangam Digital Twin initiative, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI)-native platforms for scenario-based infrastructure planning and real-time governance solutions.
About the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I):
Union Minister – Piyush Goyal (Constituency – Mumbai North, Maharashtra) Minister of State (MoS) – Jitin Prasada (Constituency – Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
