15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil

Current Context: India championed fair trade and digital inclusion at the 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting, held on May 21, 2025, under Brazil’s presidency.

Key Highlights:

• Theme: Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.
• India’s Key Proposals:
• Opposition to export controls among BRICS nations to ensure smooth supply chains.
• WTO Reform: Advocated the “30 for 30” initiative, proposing 30 trade reforms to mark the WTO’s 30th anniversary.
• Climate & Technology: Urged developed nations to provide concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs).

Joint Declaration & Annexures:

• BRICS Declaration on W Reform – Strengthening multilateral trade rules.
• BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding – Recognizing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a key enabler.
• BRICS Trade & Sustainable Development Framework – Emphasizing sustainability in trade governance.
• India’s Digital Leadership: Showcased Digital India, IndiaAI, and Mission LiFE, promoting inclusive digital governance.

Question:

Q.1 Under whose presidency was the 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in 2025?
a) India
b) Russia
c) Brazil
d) South Africa

Answer: c) The 15th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting was held under Brazil’s presidency in 2025. BRICS presidency rotates annually among the member countries.