BRICS Business Council Aims to Cut Barriers and Strengthen B2B Links for India

Industry voices at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi emphasized that the Council’s mission to dismantle trade barriers will directly benefit Indian businesses. Avgeni Zhakharov, Managing Director of Eurasia Motors, said the forum enables Indian traders to meet potential partners without the usual layers of brokerage, allowing for quicker negotiations and clearer contracts. He expressed optimism that the modest existing trade between India and Kazakhstan will rise once these networking channels mature. Derje Waleligna Mera, chair of Ethiopia’s solar energy development body, explained that the Council’s sector‑specific working groups are already reviewing customs duties, licensing requirements and other non‑tariff obstacles that hinder seamless commerce. Their recommendations are intended for inclusion in the broader BRICS agenda, which also covers digital economies, investment flows and value‑chain integration. Participants from finance, technology and policy circles discussed how a more streamlined trade environment could attract foreign direct investment into India and enable Indian firms to diversify their supply networks across the Global South. The consensus was clear: reduced friction and stronger B2B ties will empower Indian companies to explore untapped markets and build more resilient export strategies.