BRICS set to adopt framework for supply-chain cooperation

New Delhi: India will use its BRICS chairship to push the grouping towards practical, development-oriented outcomes in startups, innovation, resilient supply chains and green energy, while seeking greater trade in national currencies and reforms of global institutions at the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13.

India's chairship is guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of 'humanity first', an official said.

Amid pressure on global supply chains due to conflicts, the summit is expected to adopt a BRICS Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework to strengthen the resilience, efficiency and sustainability of cross-sector transport logistics and supply chains among BRICS members. BRICS Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework is a voluntary, consensus-based framework to strengthen cross-sector transport logistics resilience and sustainability.


It aims to address fragmented supply chains and weak connectivity by promoting technical exchange, knowledge sharing on cargo and shipping services, localized assembly and manufacturing ecosystems, and capacity building, while advancing environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient logistics practices.

A digital interface could also be created to connect national nodal agencies, selected incubators and startups across BRICS countries. India will also push for reforms of global institutions, including the UN, IMF and World Bank, while promoting trade in national currencies.

The move is not targeted at any country, officials said. Future projects of the BRICS Bank will also be discussed.

The issue of unilateral sanctions against some BRICS member countries is also expected to receive attention at the summit. The summit will bring together leaders of 11 BRICS member and 10 partner countries, as well as outreach invitees including Asean, the African Union, the GCC and GRULAC. Presidents of Russia, China, Iran, South Africa and Indonesia are among those expected to attend.

The summit comes against the backdrop of the conflict in West Asia, with BRICS leaders seeking to build consensus as the group's outcomes are guided by consensus. Exchanges between Iran and the UAE will be closely watched, as the two countries have sparred during some BRICS meetings in the run-up to the summit.