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BRICS Nations Have No Intent to Undermine U.S. Dollar, Says Indian Foreign Minister

India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, emphasized on Saturday that the BRICS nations—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have no intention of weakening the U.S. dollar. Speaking at an event in Doha, Qatar, Jaishankar sought to dispel concerns regarding the bloc’s monetary policies and intentions.

His comments come in the wake of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s ultimatum to BRICS countries. Trump recently demanded that the bloc refrain from creating or supporting an alternative currency to replace the dollar. Failure to comply, he warned, could result in the imposition of 100% tariffs on goods from BRICS member nations.

Context and Background

The U.S. dollar has long dominated global trade and financial markets, with BRICS countries occasionally proposing mechanisms to reduce dependence on it for international transactions. However, Jaishankar’s statement underscored India’s stance that BRICS aims to enhance multilateral cooperation without disrupting the global economic order.

“The BRICS framework has always focused on promoting shared growth and balanced trade partnerships, rather than challenging existing systems,” Jaishankar stated.

Trump’s Stance on BRICS and Global Currency

Trump’s sharp rhetoric reflects his administration’s broader concerns about potential threats to the dollar’s supremacy in global trade. The president-elect has also consistently advocated for protective economic measures to shield the U.S. from perceived challenges posed by major emerging economies.

While some BRICS nations, particularly China and Russia, have explored alternatives to reduce dollar dependency—such as using local currencies for trade or discussing a potential BRICS currency—there has been no formal move to establish a competitor to the U.S. dollar.

India’s Diplomatic Position

India, as one of the leading voices within BRICS, has reiterated its commitment to global financial stability. Jaishankar stressed that any speculation about undermining the dollar is unfounded and counterproductive to fostering international economic cooperation.

The Indian foreign minister also hinted at the need for constructive dialogue between the U.S. and BRICS to address concerns rather than escalating tensions through unilateral measures like tariffs.

Russia’s Igor Sechin Praises Trump’s Plans to Defend U.S. Energy Producers

Igor Sechin, the CEO of Rosneft, Russia’s largest oil producer, expressed approval of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promises to support domestic energy production. Speaking at a conference in Qatar, Sechin described Trump’s proposed measures, including protecting U.S. energy producers and markets, as “fitting” economic policies.

Trump’s return to the White House on January 20 has elicited mixed reactions in Moscow. While some view his presidency with cautious optimism, others remain skeptical, suggesting that U.S.-Russia relations will not see significant changes despite a new administration. Relations between the two countries deteriorated to a post-Cold War low under President Joe Biden due to issues such as the Ukraine conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on his electoral victory, commending his courage in overcoming challenges, including a recent assassination attempt. Putin expressed Moscow’s readiness for dialogue with the incoming U.S. administration.

Energy and Trade Policies

Trump has pledged to prioritize U.S. domestic oil and natural gas production as part of his broader economic strategy. Sechin predicted that the Trump administration would remove restrictions on hydrocarbon production, reduce taxes, and shift investments from alternative energy sources to traditional energy sectors.

During his campaign, Trump also promised to impose significant tariffs on the U.S.’s largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China. Critics warn these measures could provoke trade wars. Commenting on the potential fallout, Sechin remarked, “It’s not surprising that Canada, Mexico, China, and Europe will have to suffer. After all, Donald Trump is the president of the United States, not Mexico or Canada.”

Russia’s Outlook

Sechin’s remarks reflect a measured approval of Trump’s energy policies, which align with Russia’s interests as a major energy exporter. Both Rosneft and the Russian government could benefit from a global energy landscape that shifts focus back to hydrocarbons. However, the implications of Trump’s protectionist trade policies for global markets remain uncertain.

Trump Media Files ‘TruthFi’ Trademark, Signaling Potential Web3 Expansion

Trump Media Firm Files ‘TruthFi’ Trademark, Signaling Entry into Web3 and Crypto Finance

The price of Bitcoin has surged to a historic high of $98,000 (approximately Rs. 82 lakh), a significant milestone that coincides with the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. During his election campaign, Trump showed strong support for the cryptocurrency sector, advocating for reforms in taxation and business policies that would benefit the crypto industry. This support for digital currencies now seems to be extending into his media company, as Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) has filed for a trademark under the name ‘TruthFi’, hinting at an ambitious exploration of the Web3 space.

The TruthFi trademark, filed last week under the serial number 98859006, suggests that TMTG is looking to expand its services into Web3 finance, potentially offering digital asset custody services. Josh Gerben, a trademark lawyer based in Washington, noted the filing, which further signals the company’s intent to tap into the rapidly growing field of decentralized finance (DeFi). Currently, TMTG’s primary focus has been on Truth Social, Trump’s social networking platform, but this move suggests broader ambitions in the blockchain and crypto sectors.

Reports indicate that TruthFi could offer a wide range of services, such as crypto payments, digital asset trading, and the custody of virtual digital assets, positioning TMTG as a key player in the evolving Web3 landscape. If launched, TruthFi would cater to the growing demand for more mainstream and accessible Web3 financial services, making it easier for users to interact with digital currencies and assets. Additionally, TMTG may seek to acquire smaller Web3 firms to accelerate its entry into this sector and bring in expertise to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology.

This move follows recent reports that Trump’s media firm is also in discussions to acquire Bakkt, a leading crypto trading platform. These developments suggest that Trump’s media company is serious about establishing a presence in the crypto and Web3 sectors, leveraging the increasing public interest in digital currencies and blockchain technologies. As Web3 continues to disrupt traditional finance, the potential launch of TruthFi could mark a significant step for Trump Media & Technology Group in its pursuit of diversifying and capitalizing on the burgeoning digital asset market.