External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that trade patterns and market access have become prominent issues in the global economic discourse. Addressing the BRICS leaders summit virtually today, Dr Jaishankar emphasised the need for constructive and cooperative approaches to promote sustainable trade, cautioning that increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. He added that the international trading system is based on the foundational principles of open, fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, and rules-based approach with special and differential treatment for developing countries. The Minister noted that India strongly believes that this should be protected and nurtured. During the address, he said that BRICS should work towards stabilising the international economy, address the impact of ongoing conflicts on the Global South and proactively support reforming multilateralism.