Jammu, June 11 -- Dr. M.L. Jat Dr. Smita Sirohi
India's BRICS Chairship in 2026 comes at a moment when agricultural trade is being reshaped beyond tariffs and market access. Climate shocks, food-price volatility, fertiliser disruptions, sustainability standards, digital traceability requirements and the need to keep markets open during crises are now central to the trade agenda.
Why agriculture is strategic
After the expansion of membership, the grouping now represents nearly half the world's population, around 40 per cent of global GDP and about a quarter of global trade. UNCTAD's recent assessment shows that intra-BRICS merchandise trade has expanded more than thirteen-fold since 2003, reaching US$1.17 trillion in 2024. Agriculture may...