BRICS Pledge Cooperation, Not Confrontation With U.S.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated on Thursday that BRICS is not an “anti‑American” bloc and will reject any “language of threats and manipulation.” This assertion followed U. S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that countries adopting what he termed “anti‑American policies” aligned with BRICS would face an extra 10 per cent tariff.

Ryabkov emphasised BRICS’ focus on dialogue and constructive engagement, not confrontation. He underscored that the group will not be swayed by coercion, signalling Moscow’s intent to maintain equilibrium amid escalating trade tensions.

At the summit held on 6–7 July in Rio de Janeiro, leaders from the expanding bloc—including Brazil, China, India, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE—reiterated unity in promoting multilateralism and equitable global trade norms. China’s Foreign Ministry described BRICS as embodying a “win‑win cooperation” ethos that does not target any individual country. Likewise, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted the group’s shared worldview and stressed that BRICS “never has and never will be directed against third countries”.

President Lula da Silva, Brazil’s host and chair, concentrated on pressing issues such as climate change and public health, deliberately sidestepping Trump’s tariff threat. A senior Brazilian diplomat stressed BRICS’ role in advocating for fair trade and resisting unilateral protectionist measures.

The summit’s declaration condemned escalating unilateral tariffs and committed to reforms of multilateral institutions like the UN, IMF and World Bank. Leaders also expressed concern over military actions in Iran and called for their restraint. They signalled openness to reducing reliance on the U. S. dollar, noting over 90 per cent of Russia’s trade with BRICS partners is already conducted in local currencies.

Trump, writing on Truth Social, affirmed that the additional tariff would apply to any country “aligning themselves with the Anti‑American policies of BRICS,” with no exceptions. Despite his aggressive posture, reports indicate the White House will delay implementation unless specific policy decisions merit action, pending further review up to 1 August.

Among bloc members, South Africa reaffirmed that it is neither anti‑American nor ideologically driven, and emphasised its ongoing constructive engagement with the United States. Indonesia also underscored its participation in tariff talks and its pursuit of independent economic policies.

Scholars and analysts note that BRICS, founded in 2009 via the Primakov doctrine, now represents almost 40 per cent of global GDP and nearly half the world population. However, internal divergences—spanning economic strategies, political systems and bilateral relations with the West—pose challenges to cohesion.

Efforts such as BRICS Pay—a cross‑border payment messaging system launched in 2018—reflect moves to reduce dependency on Western financial infrastructure like SWIFT. While these initiatives aim to bolster transactional resilience, members remain cautious about triggering overt rupture with the United States.

At this summit, notable absences included Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sent a delegation in his place—marking the first summit he did not attend since 2012 —and Russian President Vladimir Putin, represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Global diplomatic analysts suggest BRICS seeks a nuanced identity: balancing calls for reforms of global governance architecture with adherence to sovereign trade policies that avoid direct antagonism with the U. S. The bloc’s denials of anti‑American orientation appear designed to preserve strategic flexibility and maintain engagement with Western economies.

Emerging trends indicate BRICS is likely to pursue gradual de‑dollarisation through expanded trade in national currencies and financial infrastructure frameworks such as BRICS Pay. Additionally, coordinated diplomacy on trade and conflict resolution—echoed in the summit’s joint statement—positions the bloc as an alternative yet non‑confrontational platform for the Global South.

Key players in this evolving dynamic include Russia and China, which advocate for independent financial systems; Brazil under Lula, which emphasises environmental and social governance; and India, which balances growing Western ties with alliance interests. Newer members such as Iran and Ethiopia add diversity but complicate consensus-building.

The coming months will test whether BRICS can solidify its collective influence while managing internal heterogeneity and external tensions. As Washington reassesses tariff strategies and BRICS refines its institutional mechanisms, both sides appear to be establishing lines that favour strategic coexistence rather than confrontation.