Jaishankar Pitches Economic Security, Resilient Supply Chains at BRICS Business Forum

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that deeper economic activity and stronger economic security within BRICS would translate into greater self-reliance for the grouping, as he made the case for closer business ties, more diversified commercial relationships and more resilient supply networks.

Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, Jaishankar framed the bloc's shared task as one of lowering the barriers that keep businesses in member countries from finding partners, reaching markets and linking up supply chains. The aim, he said, is to turn complementarities into workable commercial partnerships.

"For BRICS particularly, higher economic activity and higher economic security mean greater self-reliance," he said, adding that the objective is to strengthen the ability to absorb shocks while staying connected and competitive.

He listed the conditions he said were needed to get there: genuine market practices, dependable logistics, a predictable business environment, diversified commercial relationships and transparent trade and investment. Energy systems capable of coping with disruption, along with transition pathways suited to different national circumstances, were also part of the requirement, he added.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, also addressing the Business Forum, said BRICS accounts for roughly half of humanity and about 40 per cent of global GDP, and urged member states to work together to convert that weight into jobs, wealth and prosperity. He noted that the grouping now represents close to a quarter of global trade, with India an important pillar of intra-BRICS trade, and called for simplified trade procedures.

Summit preparations

The 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with India hosting as chair of the grouping. Leaders of member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees, will exchange views on intra-BRICS cooperation and on global and regional matters of mutual concern.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Uganda Vice President Jessica Alupo arrived in the capital on Friday. Both were received by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary. South Africa is a BRICS member, while Uganda is among the grouping's ten partner countries.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi also arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the summit. The External Affairs Ministry said the visit would strengthen partnerships to advance sustainable development and expand opportunities for emerging economies.

City arrangements

Central Delhi has been given a makeover ahead of the meeting, with decorative lighting installed at locations including Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Mandi House, Teen Murti, Lok Kalyan Metro Station and the PMO roundabout. The New Delhi Municipal Council has put up LED signage bearing the summit logo and posters on street-light poles along key routes, focusing on corridors linking the airport and designated hotels with the venue, Bharat Mandapam.

Union Ministers and Chief Ministers attending the summit are expected to travel together in a single bus from Parliament to Bharat Mandapam, with the timing yet to be finalised. The arrangement is intended to cut the number of convoys on the roads and limit inconvenience to the public.

Delhi Metro services will begin at 6 am on all corridors on Sunday instead of the usual 7 am start on the Pink, Magenta and Grey lines, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said, to help students appearing for examinations and other commuters amid traffic restrictions. Passengers have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly. Train services in Delhi and the National Capital Region are also affected by cancellations and diversions from September 11 to 13.