Turning BRICS Ties into Trade Gains: FIEO Calls for Action

New Delhi, September 9 – The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) flagged the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12‑13, as a turning point for India’s growing rapport with the Global South. In plain words, the meeting could become a springboard for real‑world gains – more exports, fresh investment, technology swaps and sturdier supply chains.

Speaking at a press briefing, FIEO President S C Ralhan said the summit must move beyond lofty diplomatic chatter. He urged delegates to lock in practical steps: streamlining customs, chopping down non‑tariff barriers, sharpening regulatory transparency, and recognising each other’s standards and conformity assessments.

“The real value for Indian businesses lies in easier market access, stronger partnerships along the supply chain, inflows of capital, tech collaborations and smooth payment mechanisms,” Ralhan told reporters. He stressed that without tangible outcomes, the summit risks staying a talking‑shop.

Among the concrete demands were better logistics connectivity, the roll‑out of digital trade documentation and simpler cross‑border payments. Ralhan highlighted that payment uncertainty itself can act as an invisible tariff, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that already walk a tightrope.

He painted a picture of India weaving itself into the production, sourcing and value‑chain fabric of BRICS nations – not merely as a buyer but as an integral partner. “We have a lot to offer in engineering goods, pharma, chemicals, textiles, autos, electronics, food, renewable energy and digital services,” he noted.

The expanded BRICS bloc now spans major economies across Asia, Africa, the Gulf, Latin America and Eurasia. Collectively, these countries account for roughly 26 % of global trade, giving Indian exporters a wider stage than ever before.

Ralhan also called for a robust business‑to‑business architecture within the group – sector‑specific buyer‑seller meets, investment matchmaking, joint‑venture opportunities and regular delegations. He believes such a framework could spark technology partnerships and open doors for Indian firms that are hungry for new markets.

Finally, the president underscored the need for more trade settlements in local currencies. “Efficient, transparent and compliant payment arrangements can cut transaction costs and boost confidence, especially for MSMEs venturing into unfamiliar markets,” he concluded.