Hyderabad: India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the BRICS summit on September 8, hosted virtually by Brazil’s President Lula. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday.
The meeting will focus on countering US tariffs and strengthening global cooperation. Brazil has emphasised that it is not an anti-US gathering.
BRICS summit comes as India faces tough choices on US pressure
Observers said Modi’s absence may reflect India’s caution before taking over the BRICS chairmanship in 2026. Recently, the US urged India to exit BRICS in return for easing tariffs.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said New Delhi must meet three conditions to see the 25% tariff removed: stop Russian oil imports, leave BRICS, and support US policies. He added that India must back its largest trading partner or pay up to 50% tariffs. At the same time, he expressed optimism that India would engage in bilateral trade talks, stressing America remained open for dialogue.
The developments placed Jaishankar at the centre of India’s BRICS diplomacy, as New Delhi seeks to balance group participation with its ties to Washington.
