External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for stronger economic cooperation among BRICS countries, saying the grouping can play an important role in helping businesses and economies deal with growing global uncertainty.
Jaishankar was speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi on Friday, held alongside the BRICS Summit 2026. He highlighted the need to make supply chains more resilient while improving trade, promoting digital innovation and technology, strengthening energy security and creating greater opportunities for businesses across member countries.
According to Jaishankar, BRICS has reached an important stage in its development as the grouping marks two decades of institutionalised cooperation.
He said the global economic environment has become increasingly difficult to predict, with geopolitical conflicts, health emergencies and climate-related disruptions affecting economies and businesses.
“We meet at a time when global political and economic order is under churn. Volatility, uncertainty, and complexity have become defining features of the world around us,” Jaishankar said.
He pointed to the economic impact of geopolitical conflicts, pandemics and climate disruptions, while also highlighting the opportunities being created by rapid technological change.
“At the same time, rapid digitalization and technological advances are opening new possibilities for growth, productivity and development,” the External Affairs Minister said.
Jaishankar argued that the changing global environment requires countries and businesses to become more capable of anticipating risks and responding quickly to disruptions.
BRICS Can Become a Platform for Economic Security
The External Affairs Minister said economic resilience cannot be separated from international cooperation. In his view, BRICS has the potential to provide a wider platform for member countries to expand trade and commercial partnerships.
The grouping brings together countries with different markets, natural resources, industrial capabilities and economic experiences. Jaishankar said this diversity could be used to create new business opportunities while improving the economic security of member nations.
The BRICS Business Forum is also focusing on closer interaction between the private sectors of member countries, with stronger business-to-business partnerships seen as an important part of expanding economic cooperation.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal are also among the speakers at the forum.
BRICS Summit Takes Place Amid Global Economic Pressures
The discussions come at a time when countries are facing a combination of geopolitical tensions, uncertain economic conditions, supply-chain vulnerabilities and climate-related challenges.
For BRICS members, strengthening trade and investment links could help reduce the impact of disruptions while opening additional markets for businesses.
Jaishankar’s remarks also underline India’s broader push for BRICS to focus not only on political cooperation but also on practical economic partnerships that can benefit businesses and consumers.
Delhi Metro to Start Earlier on Sunday During BRICS Restrictions
Meanwhile, commuters in Delhi will get an extended Metro service on Sunday as the capital remains under extensive traffic restrictions for the BRICS Summit.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that trains on all corridors will begin operations at 6 am on Sunday to help students travelling for examinations as well as members of the public affected by road restrictions.
Sunday services on the Pink, Magenta and Grey lines normally begin at 7 am. The earlier start is intended to provide commuters with an alternative to road travel during the summit-related restrictions.
The DMRC said the decision was taken to facilitate the smooth and timely movement of students appearing for examinations and the general public.
With several important roads and routes in Delhi expected to face restrictions during the BRICS Summit, authorities have advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance and make greater use of public transport.
