BRICS challenges tariff barriers, sets cooperation agenda across trade, technology and health

New Delhi, September 12: BRICS leaders on Saturday opposed unilateral tariffs and protectionist climate measures while adopting cooperation plans spanning agriculture, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education and outer space.

The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration linked the grouping’s economic priorities to demands for a fairer global trading system. It warned that unilateral tariffs and non tariff measures could disrupt supply chains, reduce trade and widen existing economic disparities.

The declaration also opposed carbon border adjustment mechanisms when they operate as discriminatory trade barriers. Such measures could disproportionately affect developing economies and exports from carbon intensive industries, the grouping said.

BRICS sought reforms to the World Trade Organization, World Bank and International Monetary Fund. It called for greater representation for emerging economies and faster implementation of changes to IMF quotas and voting power.

The leaders also condemned unilateral economic sanctions that violate international law. They said such measures could affect development, healthcare and food security, particularly for poorer and vulnerable communities in targeted countries.

On agriculture, the grouping backed further work on a BRICS Grain Exchange that could later include other agricultural products and commodities. It also supported greater trade in farm products and inputs through resilient and non discriminatory supply chains.

Four farmer focused initiatives were endorsed at the leaders’ level. They cover agro inputs and genetic resources, farmers’ rights in seed systems, agroecology and regenerative agriculture, and digital agriculture.

The declaration supported cooperation on national food reserves, climate resilient seeds and measures to improve food availability and affordability. It also reaffirmed support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

BRICS leaders called for wider access to artificial intelligence resources while seeking international safeguards for safety, reliability and risk mitigation. They committed to implementing the grouping’s statement on global AI governance.

The declaration advocated trustworthy and energy efficient AI systems, particularly for the Global South. It also backed deeper cooperation on quantum technology, startup networks and research infrastructure.

The grouping supported work towards a sovereign and self reliant digital ecosystem. It called for common standards on information technology supply chain security and greater exchanges between national computer emergency response teams.

BRICS also expressed serious concern over organised scam networks, including cross border fraud operations and scam compounds. It sought intelligence sharing among customs agencies, financial intelligence units, police, tax authorities and regulators.

The declaration called for cooperation with telecommunications companies and technology platforms to identify fraud networks and trace illicit funds. It also flagged the misuse of virtual assets in cross border criminal operations.

On healthcare, the leaders identified tuberculosis as a major global challenge requiring sustained research and coordinated action. They endorsed cooperation on digital health, disease surveillance, vaccines, healthy lifestyles, mental health and traditional medicine.

The grouping supported an integrated early warning system for mass infectious diseases. It also backed collaboration among medical regulators and healthcare systems serving remote and underserved communities.

In education, BRICS encouraged the exchange of practices for the human centred use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. It also discussed further work on a BRICS university ranking and evaluation system.

The leaders recognised the importance of international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. They also backed efforts to limit space debris and improve the long term sustainability of space activities.

On the environment, BRICS said developed countries should provide adequate finance for biodiversity conservation. The grouping also welcomed common frameworks for landscape restoration and wildfire preparedness.

The declaration expands BRICS cooperation beyond diplomatic coordination by creating networks and working arrangements across several sectors. Implementation will depend on voluntary participation, national priorities and follow up by member governments.

(With inputs from PTI)