Jaishankar to represent India at virtual BRICS Summit convened by Brazil next week

Brazil is the current chair of the summit where discussions are likely to take place on US President Donald Trump's trade policy.

The virtual meeting will be held on September 8, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

As per reports, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is keen to discuss the tariffs levied by the Trump administration and rally the leaders of the emerging economies of BRICS that also includes powerful nations Russia and China.

Both Brazil and India are sanctioned by the US with 50 percent tariffs but for disparate reasons.

The diplomatic tension between the US and Brazil escalated as Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brasília in what he called a fight against the "witch hunt" against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro, with whom Trump had a good relationship, is facing trial on charges of planning a coup after election defeat in 2022.

The Trump administration, which was earlier viewed as India-friendly, has slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and another 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia which is fighting a war against Ukraine.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, India significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil—now comprising over 30 percent of its total crude imports.

Indian refineries then export refined petroleum products globally which critics, especially in the U.S., argue that indirectly supports Russia’s war effort by funneling money into its economy.

In response, the US proposed tariffs and trade measures targeting India’s exports to discourage this behavior.

Last month, Lula had even dialled PM Modi to discuss the tariffs levied by the Trump administration.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of defending multilateralism in the face of such unilateral economic measures.

Trump softens stance on India

Trump on Friday said India and the US share a "special relationship" and "there is no nothing to worry about".

When asked about whether he intends to reset relations with India, Trump said calmly, "I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great Prime Minister.

"I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment but India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion."

In response, Modi took to his X handle and reciprocated Trump's sentiments.

The Prime Minister wrote on X, "Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership."