At a BRICS summit on Monday, India urged fellow members to address growing trade imbalances, noting its largest deficits are with BRICS partners themselves.

Representing India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted record trade gaps with China and Russia, stressing the need for solutions to boost Indian exports.

The call came as BRICS leaders united against U.S. President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs, which Brazil labeled as “blackmail” and China condemned as disruptive to global trade.

While India views BRICS primarily as an economic forum, China and Russia emphasize its geopolitical role, linking it to broader initiatives like the Belt and Road, CNBC has reported.

Analysts say India wants the bloc to refocus on practical trade measures, including reviewing internal trade flows and expanding cooperation through mechanisms such as the New Development Bank.