Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate in a BRICS virtual summit convened by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, while India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday, September 5, 2025. The meeting, scheduled for Monday, September 7, comes amid growing tensions with Washington over a new wave of U.S. tariffs on BRICS economies.
India Confirms Jaishankar’s Role
Briefing reporters in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Mr. Jaishankar would attend the meeting on behalf of India. While the summit is formally at the “leaders’ level,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not participate, though no reason was cited.
India, which is set to assume the rotating chairmanship of BRICS next year, will host the next in-person summit of the expanded 11-member grouping that now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Table of Contents
U.S. Tariffs Spark Emergency Summit
The virtual meeting was called by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva after Washington imposed sweeping new tariffs on August 6. These measures, viewed by many as the most punitive trade restrictions in recent years, have targeted BRICS countries unevenly.
- Brazil and India: Hit hardest with 50% tariffs on all goods, the highest imposed worldwide.
- China and South Africa: Facing steep 30% tariffs.
- Indonesia: Affected by 19% duties, though key agricultural exports such as palm oil, cocoa, and rubber received waivers.
- Russia, Iran, and others: Facing lower but still significant 10% tariffs, despite already being among the most heavily sanctioned nations.
According to Brazilian officials, the summit’s agenda will focus on assessing the impact of these tariffs on global trade and formulating joint strategies to promote multilateralism and resist unilateral economic coercion.
Lula’s Push for a Unified Response
In the aftermath of Washington’s announcement, President Lula personally reached out to Prime Minister Modi and pledged to consult every BRICS member to build a “common plan” to counter the U.S. actions. Brazilian diplomats have yet to confirm which leaders will attend Monday’s session, but the Kremlin has stated that President Putin will participate. Additional confirmations are expected over the weekend.
The Brazilian Foreign Ministry has not yet disclosed the final agenda, though local media report that discussions will revolve around safeguarding trade flows, preventing supply chain disruptions, and reinforcing collective economic resilience.
Modi’s Absence Raises Questions
Observers noted that Prime Minister Modi’s absence from the meeting could draw attention, especially since the summit is billed as a leaders’ forum. The MEA has not explained the reason behind this decision, but analysts suggest it may reflect India’s careful balancing act between Washington and its BRICS partners.
India has deepening strategic ties with the United States, including in defense and technology, even as it continues to collaborate with BRICS on trade, energy, and global governance reform. Sending Jaishankar instead of Modi may signal New Delhi’s intention to avoid escalating tensions with Washington at a politically sensitive moment.
Washington’s Justifications
The U.S. administration has defended its tariff measures, arguing they were motivated by a mix of economic and political concerns. Officials cited persistent trade deficits, tariff barriers imposed by other countries, and geopolitical disputes.
- India: Penalized for continuing to import Russian oil despite Western sanctions.
- Brazil: Targeted partly due to domestic political trials involving former President Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of Donald Trump.
- South Africa: Sanctioned over land reform laws that former President Trump alleges discriminate against White Afrikaner farmers.
President Trump, who reimposed the tariffs after returning to office, has also threatened an additional 10% blanket tariff on all BRICS nations if they pursue what he calls “anti-American policies.”
Rising Political Pressure in Washington
The tariffs are being reinforced by legislative moves. U.S. Congressman Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Mr. Trump, has introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act 2025 in Congress. If passed, it would impose crushing 500% tariffs on BRICS countries, including Brazil, India, and China, if they continue to purchase Russian energy exports.
This development underscores Washington’s strategy of leveraging trade restrictions not only to address economic imbalances but also to exert pressure on geopolitical alignments.
READ ALSO - Madharasi X Review: Netizens React to Sivakarthikeyan and Vidyut Jammwal’s Action ThrillerGrowing Strains in Global Trade
For BRICS, the summit represents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, the U.S. measures have added stress to already fragile global supply chains. On the other, they could serve as a rallying point for emerging economies to push for alternative financial and trade systems less dependent on Western institutions.
Russia and China, already at odds with Washington, are expected to push for stronger collective action. Brazil, as host, is positioning itself as a unifier, while India is likely to take a more cautious stance, balancing its own economic interests with geopolitical pragmatism.
READ ALSO - Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar Blessed with Second Baby Boy: Seek Love and BlessingsIndia’s Role as Next BRICS Chair
As the incoming chair of BRICS, India’s actions at this summit will be closely scrutinized. New Delhi will need to navigate between its aspirations for leadership in the Global South and its complex partnership with the U.S.
While Mr. Jaishankar’s presence reaffirms India’s commitment to the grouping, Modi’s absence could limit New Delhi’s influence in shaping the immediate response to U.S. tariffs. Nonetheless, India’s leadership next year offers an opportunity to set a longer-term agenda that bridges these competing priorities.
The Brazil-led virtual summit marks a critical moment for BRICS as the bloc seeks to project unity in the face of U.S. economic pressure. Washington is likely to view any coordinated stance as further evidence of BRICS’ “anti-American” posture, potentially escalating tensions.
With Putin confirmed, Lula in the chair, and Jaishankar representing India, the meeting could set the tone for how the expanded BRICS grouping navigates its increasingly complex relationship with the United States.
By
