New york: BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations have raised concerns over the proliferation of trade-restrictive actions, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures that threaten global economic stability. The Ministers held their annual meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. The meeting was chaired by India in its capacity as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, in a joint statement, the Ministers highlighted the risks posed by rising tariffs and protectionist measures, particularly when used as tools of coercion. They voiced serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. They cautioned against such practices that risk fragmenting global trade and marginalising the Global South.
The Ministers emphasised the importance of strengthening international trade systems and avoiding practices that fragment global markets or disrupt supply chains. They called for adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and urged all nations to ensure trade policies promote economic development and inclusivity.
The BRICS grouping also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation among member states to address challenges in global trade and to support the interests of emerging markets and developing economies. The Ministers highlighted the pivotal role of BRICS countries in global food production and agricultural sustainability.
They recognised that family farmers, smallholders, pastoralists, artisanal fishers, indigenous communities, women, and youth are essential for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and transforming food systems. They stressed the importance of technological innovation, mechanisation, and digital solutions to increase productivity, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods.
The Ministers called for minimising disruptions and promoting rules-based trade in agriculture and fertilisers, ensuring continuous food supplies and essential inputs, while emphasising that such trade should be exempt from restrictive measures inconsistent with WTO rules. They also welcomed the initiative to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange, which may later expand to other agricultural commodities.
Addressing global food security, the Ministers lauded the successful convening of the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa in July 2025, noting that it provided an opportunity to link high-level ambition with local action in transforming food systems.
In addition to agriculture, the Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of critical minerals for zero- and low-emission energy technologies, energy security, and resilient supply chains. They reaffirmed the need to promote reliable, responsible, diversified, resilient, fair, sustainable, and just supply chains of such minerals to guarantee benefit sharing, value addition, and economic diversification in resource-rich countries, while fully preserving sovereign rights over their mineral resources, as well as their right to adopt, maintain, and enforce measures necessary to pursue legitimate public policy objectives.
The statement also reaffirmed the value of BRICS people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and ecotourism as drivers of sustainable development. Highlighting the growth and inclusivity of the bloc, the Ministers noted that the BRICS expansion enhances its global credibility, appeal, and voice for the Global South.
Looking ahead, India will host the BRICS Summit in 2026, providing a platform to further discussions on trade, economic cooperation, and strategies to strengthen global partnerships in a fair and equitable manner. The Ministers expressed appreciation to India for holding the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations meeting on the margins of UNGA 80.
They extended their full support to India for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the holding of the XVIII BRICS Summit in India. The Ministers also looked forward to the Standalone Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations in India in 2026.