In a bold display of diplomatic coordination, Russian President Vladimir Putin has galvanized leaders of the BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside newer members like the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia—to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. As of August 2025, Trump’s trade offensive, marked by steep tariffs and threats of further economic sanctions, has pushed BRICS nations to strengthen their collective resolve, potentially reshaping global economic dynamics. This article explores the strategic responses of BRICS leaders, the implications of their unified stance, and the broader context of their push for a multipolar world order.
The Catalyst: Trump’s Tariff Offensive
On July 31, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order imposing significant tariffs on imports from BRICS nations, including a 25% tariff on Indian goods and a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, unless new trade deals were struck. These measures followed months of negotiations and threats, with Trump arguing that the tariffs are essential to revive U.S. manufacturing and protect American economic interests. Additionally, Trump has threatened an extra 10% tariff on countries aligning with what he calls the “anti-American policies” of BRICS, a move perceived as an attempt to fracture the bloc’s unity.
The tariffs are part of a broader strategy to pressure BRICS nations, particularly those maintaining economic ties with Russia, such as India’s purchase of Russian oil. Trump’s administration has also linked trade penalties to geopolitical demands, notably issuing an ultimatum for Russia to agree to peace terms in Ukraine by August 8, 2025, or face further sanctions, including on countries importing Russian goods.
Putin’s Diplomatic Blitz
In response, Putin initiated a series of high-level diplomatic engagements with BRICS leaders in early August 2025. On August 9, he held strategic phone calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, following discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and a meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These interactions were not only about trade but also about aligning on broader geopolitical issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During his call with Modi, Putin briefed the Indian leader on his recent meeting with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, on August 6, 2025, and discussed potential plans for a summit with Trump, possibly in the UAE. Modi expressed gratitude for the updates and emphasized the enduring India-Russia partnership, signaling India’s intent to maintain its independent foreign policy despite U.S. pressure. Similarly, Xi Jinping voiced China’s support for continued U.S.-Russia dialogue, reinforcing Beijing’s commitment to a multipolar world order.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been particularly vocal, advocating for a coordinated BRICS response rather than fragmented bilateral negotiations with the U.S. On August 10, 2025, Lula spoke with Putin for 40 minutes, discussing BRICS cooperation and peace efforts in Ukraine. Lula’s office confirmed plans for a Brazil-Russia High-Level Commission later in 2025, underscoring the deepening ties within the bloc.
South Africa’s Ramaphosa expressed “full support” for peace initiatives, while the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed offered his country as a potential neutral venue for U.S.-Russia talks. These synchronized efforts highlight a strategic alignment among BRICS leaders to counter Trump’s economic and geopolitical pressures.
BRICS Unity Amid Divergent Interests
The BRICS bloc, representing over 40% of the global population and approximately 40% of global GDP, has emerged as a significant counterweight to Western-dominated institutions like the G7. The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6–7, 2025, showcased both the bloc’s unity and its internal complexities. Leaders condemned Trump’s “unilateral” and “indiscriminate” tariff policies, arguing that they violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and threaten global economic stability. However, the summit also revealed divergent approaches, with countries like India and China pursuing bilateral trade talks with the U.S. while advocating for collective action.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that BRICS is not an anti-American alliance but a platform for fostering cooperation among emerging economies. He clarified that the bloc has no intention of creating a rival currency to the U.S. dollar, despite earlier discussions about a gold-backed “Unit” currency for intra-BRICS trade. This statement was likely a response to Trump’s threats of 100% tariffs on countries pursuing de-dollarization.
Russian Senator Alexey Pushkov argued that Trump’s tariffs could inadvertently strengthen BRICS unity, as member states rally against what they perceive as economic coercion. Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev noted that the Modi-Putin dialogue reflects India’s and Russia’s determination to chart independent foreign policies, balancing relations with the U.S. while deepening BRICS cooperation.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The BRICS response is set against a backdrop of escalating global tensions. Trump’s tariffs are partly motivated by geopolitical concerns, particularly India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which has surged since Western sanctions on Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has defended these imports as driven by market factors and the energy needs of its 1.4 billion population, calling U.S. tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
Meanwhile, Putin’s diplomatic efforts are also tied to his upcoming meeting with Trump, scheduled for August 15, 2025, in Alaska, to discuss a potential peace deal for Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal reported that Putin has proposed ceding eastern Ukraine in exchange for a ceasefire, a proposal that remains contentious. The BRICS leaders’ support for Russia’s peace initiatives reflects their broader aim to assert influence in global governance and challenge U.S.-led frameworks.
The bloc’s joint declaration at the Rio summit also addressed other global issues, condemning Israeli and U.S. military strikes on Iran and expressing “grave concern” over the situation in Gaza. These stances underscore BRICS’ ambition to lead the Global South in a multipolar world, as articulated by Modi and Lula.
Economic and Strategic Implications
Trump’s tariffs pose significant risks for BRICS economies. Economists warn that American consumers may bear the brunt of higher prices as companies pass on tariff costs. The Washington Center for Equitable Growth noted that while some U.S. industries may benefit, others could face challenges due to increased costs of raw materials. For BRICS nations, the tariffs threaten export-driven growth, particularly for countries like India and Brazil, which face 25% and 50% tariffs, respectively.
However, the tariffs may also accelerate BRICS’ push for economic self-reliance. Discussions at the Rio summit emphasized cooperation in critical minerals, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance. India, for instance, is seeking partnerships with countries like Canada to secure stable supplies of critical minerals, countering China’s dominance in this sector.
The BRICS bloc is also exploring mechanisms to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, such as trading in local currencies, though these efforts remain in early stages. The absence of a unified BRICS currency, as clarified by Peskov, reflects the bloc’s cautious approach to avoid direct confrontation with the U.S.
What’s Next?
As the August 1 tariff deadline has passed, several BRICS nations are racing to finalize trade deals with the U.S. to mitigate economic fallout. India is reportedly close to securing an interim trade agreement, though sectors like agriculture remain contentious. China has reached a tentative trade framework, but a formal deal is pending by August 12, 2025. Brazil and South Africa, facing steep tariffs, are exploring coordinated responses, with Lula leading calls for a collective BRICS strategy.
Putin’s upcoming meeting with Trump in Alaska could be a pivotal moment. While Trump has framed the tariffs as a tool to pressure Russia on Ukraine, BRICS leaders are leveraging their economic and diplomatic clout to resist what they view as unilateral U.S. actions. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit later in August 2025 will provide another platform for BRICS nations to align their strategies.
Conclusion
Trump’s tariff offensive has inadvertently catalyzed greater cooperation among BRICS nations, as Putin’s diplomatic outreach underscores the bloc’s determination to assert its influence in a multipolar world. While internal differences persist—particularly between regional rivals like India and China—the BRICS alliance is coalescing around a shared goal of countering U.S. economic pressure. As global trade tensions escalate, the bloc’s ability to present a united front will shape the future of international economic governance.
