BRICS on shaky ground as Jaishankar dismisses ‘disintegration’ claims amid US tariff threat

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has pushed back against claims that BRICS is “disintegrating” in the wake of US tariff threats, asserting that the influential grouping remains committed to shaping a multipolar world order.

Responding to a query in Parliament on March 21 about the bloc’s stability, Jaishankar underscored BRICS' evolution and resilience, emphasizing its steady expansion and growing global significance.

"Since its inception in 2006, BRICS has progressed steadily, reflecting the shared concerns of its members and striving to make global leadership more representative and inclusive," he said in a written statement.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS welcomed South Africa in 2010. The bloc has since expanded further, now encompassing 11 full members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia, alongside nine partner countries.

Jaishankar highlighted BRICS' extensive agenda, covering key global challenges such as UN Security Council reforms, counterterrorism, climate change, international trade, and financial stability. The grouping has also deliberated on geopolitical crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Syria.

Addressing concerns over differing national interests among BRICS members, Jaishankar acknowledged the diversity of perspectives but reaffirmed a shared commitment to multipolarity. "Understandably, as nations at different levels of development and income, BRICS members have a range of positions on contemporary issues. Their meetings and discussions are aimed at finding common ground," he said.

As speculation swirls about BRICS’ future, its growing membership and continued global engagement suggest that the bloc remains far from collapse — despite external pressures.