India has taken center stage at the BRICS summit, urging fellow member nations to confront their mounting trade deficits. The bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is uniting against a common challenge: U.S. President Donald Trump’s stringent tariffs.

Striking a Balance

India’s trade imbalances with its BRICS partners have taken the spotlight. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the country’s significant deficits during a virtual summit, prompting a discussion on recalibrating trade dynamics. India’s stance is clear: it sees BRICS as a pivotal economic alliance, with hopes of fostering initiatives like the New Development Bank.

A Multi-faceted Bloc

The BRICS collective stands as a beacon of diverse objectives. While India pushes for fiscal initiatives, Russia and China often interweave geopolitical considerations. As noted by Chietigj Bajpaee of Chatham House, such engagements complement larger strategic frameworks like China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Rising Red Tides

Chinese imports flood India’s borders, setting New Delhi’s trade deficit with Beijing at a staggering $99.21 billion as of March 2025. This figure marks a worrying trend, intensifying India’s plea for a thorough review of intra-BRICS trade flows.

Building BRICS Connections

India is not alone in its quest for balance. The May BRICS Trade Ministers meeting saw calls for smoother trade operations, underscoring the necessity of cooperation. A report by Indian think tank Natstrat emphasized the untapped potential within BRICS markets, urging a concerted effort to boost exports.

India-U.S.: Ebb and Flow

Amid the tumult, the India-U.S. relationship faces its own trials. A hefty 50% tariff on Indian goods has strained ties, though recent conciliatory statements from Trump suggest potential for reconciliation. The foundations of this bilateral relationship, as Bajpaee points out, remain solid despite current rocky waters.

The BRICS summit in Rio painted a vivid picture of unity amid challenges. As global trade norms shift, the bloc’s cohesion in facing external pressures may very well determine the trajectory of international economic dialogue.

According to CNBC, it’s a dynamic time for BRICS, with India’s call to action resonating across the southern hemisphere and beyond.