India's exports to core BRICS nations jump 34% to $19.9 billion

India's exports to the four founding BRICS economies — China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia — climbed 34% to $19.9 billion during April-August 2026-27, up from $14.9 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to Commerce Ministry data.

The four countries accounted for 9.2% of India's total exports in the first five months of this fiscal year, up from 8.1% in April-August 2025-26.

China remained the largest destination among the core group, with shipments rising 39% to $9.6 billion. South Africa recorded the sharpest expansion, at 58%, while exports to Brazil and Russia grew 13% and 11% respectively.

"As India deepens its engagement with the BRICS bloc, strongest momentum is coming from the BRICS members, especially Core BRICS founding partners — China, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia," an official said.

The official added that exports to the core BRICS economies are growing nearly three times faster than shipments to the wider grouping, making these markets an increasingly important pillar of India's export strategy.

BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam became partner countries last year.

Growth in other key markets

India's exports to Japan rose 43% to $3.43 billion during April-August 2026-27. Mineral fuels led the increase, adding $231.7 million, a rise of 76%, alongside healthy growth in electronics and aluminium.

Shipments to Italy climbed about 30% to $3.92 billion from $3.02 billion a year earlier, while exports to South Korea grew 22% to $3.21 billion.

Exports to South Korea were driven by minerals, fuels, electronics, aluminium, iron and steel, and chemicals. The official said India is increasingly becoming a preferred sourcing partner for South Korea as it strengthens its position as a hub for automobiles, electronics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.