The statement followed the annual meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, chaired by India as the incoming BRICS Chair for 2026.

Jaishankar added that BRICS must amplify its collective call for a comprehensive reform of the principal organs of the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council. Technology and innovation will define the next phase of BRICS cooperation. He said India’s Chairship of BRICS will focus on food and energy security, climate change, and sustainable development through digital transformation, startups, innovation, and strengthened development partnerships.

In their joint communiqué, the ministers, including representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, voiced “serious concerns” over unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures that disrupt global trade, supply chains, and economic development, emphasising adherence to WTO rules.

“Expressed concern over proliferation of trade-restrictive actions, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, or protectionism, in particular measures used as a means of coercion that threaten to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities, potentially exacerbating existing economic disparities and affecting prospects for global economic development,” the joint statement said.

“They cautioned against such practices that risk fragmenting global trade and marginalising the Global South,” it said.

The ministers also expressed full support for India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship and Summit and look forward to the Standalone Meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers in India.

The communiqué condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed, reaffirming commitment to combating terrorism in all forms and ensuring accountability under international law. They expressed zero tolerance for terrorism and rejected double standards in counterterrorism efforts.

“They reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. They reiterated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law,” the statement said.

Jaishankar Meets Russia's Lavrov

The meeting comes amid US-imposed tariffs on India, including a 50 per cent levy, half of which is over New Delhi’s oil imports from Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov participated and underscored the importance of initiatives from previous BRICS chairmanships, including a new investment platform, cross-border payment systems, depository and clearing infrastructure, a reinsurance mechanism, and a BRICS grain exchange. Jaishankar and Lavrov also held bilateral discussions on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict, and Middle East developments.

“Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #UNGA80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East,” Jaishankar said.