The BRICS nations have stressed the importance of “enhanced use of local currencies" in trade and financial transactions among the nine nations of the grouping, according to a 54-paragraph joint statement after BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Russia's Nizhny Novgorod on Monday.
The top diplomats of BRICS nations expressed their support for "further expansion" of the New Development Bank (NDB) through an early consideration of applications of BRICS members, in line with the approved policies.
Currently, NDB's membership comprises the five founding BRICS members, also the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Bangladesh and Egypt.
"They agreed to jointly develop the New Development Bank to a new type of Multilateral Development Banks of the 21st century," said the joint statement.
Chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting was attended by top diplomats from Brazil, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran, as well as nearly 15 other guest nations. India was represented by senior diplomat Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The BRICS ministers
noted a "considerable interest" among developing countries to join the grouping.
Meanwhile, the joint statement expressed concern over the use of "unilateral coercive measures" which are against the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter for producing: negative effects on economic growth, trade, energy, health and food security notably in the developing world", an apparent reference to
western sanctions.
Additionally, the ministers backed the further promotion of energy cooperation among BRICS group, including in the realm of critical minerals which are crucial for energy transition.
It also condemned "unilateral, punitive and discriminatory protectionist measures" such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs), which seemed to be a reference to EU’s upcoming Carbon Tax which kicks in 2026.
The EU tax proposes levying tariffs on what the western bloc deems "carbon-intensive" imports such as steel products and cement from developing nations. India has strongly opposed the carbon tax and threatened to retaliate against EU if the additional tax is implemented.
As a matter of principle, the BRICS ministers emphasised in the joint statement that "unilateral trade measures based on climate or environment".
At the same time, the official joint record reiterates calls for
"comprehensive reform" of the UN Security Council by increasing the representation of developing nations from Africa, Asia and Latin America and address their "legitimate aspirations".
Moreover, it calls for a "greater role" for BRICS states in global governance architecture, including the UN Security Council.
The BRICS ministers
expressed "grave concern" over the worsening situation in the "Occupied Palestinian Territory", according to the document.
Nevertheless, the ministers called for an "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" by Hamas.
Israel's attacks in Rafah are the other matter of concern, which is mentioned by the top diplomats, who warn that an Israeli military offensive in Palestine could further deteriorate the humanitarian situation.