Trump Threatens Extra Tariffs on BRICS Nations; PM Modi Calls Terrorism a Threat to Humanity at BRICS Summit
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The 17th BRICS Summit, held on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, witnessed major geopolitical tensions as former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to countries aligning with BRICS policies. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the platform to call for a new global order and issued a strong condemnation of terrorism, calling it the greatest threat to humanity.
Trump Issues Tariff Warning Against BRICS Nations
As BRICS leaders gathered in Brazil, former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack against the bloc. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared that any country supporting BRICS’ anti-American stance would face an additional 10% tariff.
“Any nation aligning with anti-American BRICS policies will face a 10% tariff. No exceptions,” Trump stated.
The warning comes at a time when BRICS is expanding its membership and influence, posing increasing economic competition to the West.
PM Modi: Pahalgam Attack Not Just on India, but on Humanity
Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. He said terrorism should not be viewed with convenience but must be universally condemned.
“The Pahalgam attack was not just on India but an assault on humanity itself. Terrorism must be condemned as a principle, not for convenience,” Modi asserted.
Call for Global Institutional Reform
PM Modi emphasized the need for reforms in international institutions like the United Nations, WTO, and the New Development Bank, stating that 20th-century systems are failing to cope with 21st-century challenges.
“In the age of AI, technology updates weekly, but global institutions haven’t updated in 80 years. A typewriter can’t run modern software,” he remarked.
India Pushes for Global South Representation
Modi criticized the double standards faced by the Global South in global development and security matters. He said their interests are often sidelined and called for fair representation in decision-making.
“The Global South has often been a victim of double standards. Without their voice, global institutions are like phones with SIM cards but no network,” he said.
Joint BRICS Declaration Highlights Key Global Issues
The BRICS summit concluded with a 31-page joint declaration covering 126 points. Major takeaways include:
- New Full Member: Indonesia joins BRICS as a full member.
- Partner Nations Added: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were added as BRICS partner nations.
- Support for India and Brazil in UNSC: China and Russia backed increased roles for India and Brazil at the United Nations Security Council.
- Climate Action: BRICS committed to the success of COP30 and welcomed India’s bid to host COP33 in 2028.
- Support for WTO Norms: BRICS voiced concern over unilateral tariffs and backed inclusive trade under WTO principles.
- Condemnation of Unilateral Sanctions: The bloc opposed sanctions that go against international law and the UN Charter.
- Zero Tolerance on Terrorism: The bloc condemned terrorism in all forms, including the Pahalgam and Israeli strikes on Iran, urging strict action against UN-designated terrorists.
- Support for India’s Conservation Initiative: India’s International Big Cats Alliance was welcomed.
- Praise for New Development Bank (NDB): NDB’s growing role in financing development in the Global South was recognized.
India Demands Stronger Action Against Terrorism
PM Modi called for clear global action against terrorism:
- Ban Without Hesitation: He insisted that no leniency should be shown toward terrorists.
- Reject Double Standards: He stated that victims and supporters of terrorism should be judged equally.
- Condemn Political Support for Terrorism: “Silent or strategic support to terrorism for political gains is unacceptable,” he said.
Modi Advocates Peace Amid Global Conflict
Referring to tensions from West Asia to Europe, including the Gaza crisis, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to peace:
“India, the land of Buddha and Gandhi, believes violence is not the solution. Dialogue and cooperation are the only paths to human welfare,” he said.
India reiterated its willingness to collaborate with all friendly nations for peace and partnership.
PM Modi’s Bilateral Visit to Brazil
PM Modi is on a three-day official visit to Brazil. On Monday, he will attend the BRICS Environment Forum and meet President Lula da Silva in Brasília. The two leaders are expected to sign four bilateral agreements focusing on:
- Renewable energy
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
- Agricultural research
- Intelligence exchange
Why the 2025 BRICS Summit is Significant
Held under the theme “Global South for Global Order,” the BRICS 2025 Summit is notable for being the first to include all 11 full member nations and 13 partner nations. President Lula da Silva is aiming to present BRICS as an inclusive platform focused on development, climate justice, and food security — not merely an anti-Western bloc.
Three Key Focus Areas for BRICS 2025
- Digital Infrastructure & Payment Systems
- AI Governance Regulations
- Local Currency Trade Among Member States
BRICS Push for Independent Currency Sparks Western Concerns
Discussions on creating a BRICS currency as an alternative to the U.S. dollar continue to raise alarms in the West. In 2023, Brazilian President Lula suggested that BRICS nations need their own trading currency.
“Why are we trading in dollars?” he questioned at a previous summit.
Trump, even before his potential return to office, warned of 100% tariffs if BRICS members pursued an independent currency, calling it a plot to weaken the U.S. dollar.
India, however, distanced itself from such motives. In December 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated at an event in Doha that India has no interest in weakening the dollar.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is a group of 11 emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. Originally formed in 2001 as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China), the group aims to promote economic, political, and social cooperation among developing nations.The alliance gained momentum following the 2008 global financial crisis, which exposed Western economic vulnerabilities and highlighted the strength of BRICS economies.
