INDIA’S EXPORTS TO CORE BRICS MEMBERS RISE 34% TO $19.9 BILLION

India’s exports to the four core BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa—rose 34% to approximately $19.9 billion during April-August 2026 compared with $14.9 billion during the same period of the previous year. China was the largest contributor, with Indian exports to the country increasing approximately 39% to $9.6 billion. South Africa recorded even faster growth of about 58%, reaching $4.82 billion, while exports to Brazil and Russia rose 13% and 11%, respectively. The data provides an important counterpoint to the long-standing concern over India’s trade deficit with China because it shows Indian exports of electronics and engineering goods are expanding. The growth is being supported partly by demand associated with global AI and data-centre investment. India’s broader BRICS export growth also reflects the potential for emerging-market trade to become a larger component of the country’s export strategy. For Indian manufacturers, stronger demand from China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia creates opportunities to diversify beyond traditional Western markets. For Odisha, increased exports could potentially benefit metals, engineering, chemicals, processed food and other industries with established production capacity.