Linking trade measures with non-trade matters won’t help global economy: S Jaishankar

Linking trade measures with non-trade matters would not help the global economy, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday amid increasing concerns about the United States imposing tariffs on exports from several countries, including India.

Speaking at a virtual meeting of the BRICS leaders convened by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Jaishankar said that trade patterns and market access are “today prominent issues in the global economic discourse”.

“The world requires constructive and cooperative approaches to promote trade that is sustainable,” said the minister. “Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to non-trade matters.”

My remarks at the virtual BRICS Summit.
https://t.co/iWTMWIeQg5— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 8, 2025

The BRICS grouping comprises India, Brazil, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Washington views the group as attempting to become an economic counterweight to the US.

Jaishankar’s statement came against the backdrop of the US imposing 50% tariffs on India and Brazil.

The Donald Trump administration had announced on August 6 that it would double the tariffs on Indian goods to 50% for purchasing Russian oil. A 25% so-called reciprocal tariff had already taken effect.

The US president has repeatedly alleged that India’s imports were fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine.

In his remarks,...

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