India's Exports to Core BRICS Markets Surge 34% in April-August, Led by China and South Africa

India's outbound shipments to its core BRICS trading partners experienced a substantial surge of 34% during the first five months of the fiscal year, climbing to $19.9 billion between April and August, according to official data cited by PTI. This performance underscores the deepening economic engagement between India and the foundational members of the bloc.

According to figures released by the Commerce Ministry, exports to the four core BRICS economies—comprising China, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia—rose from $14.9 billion during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Consequently, the share of these four core countries in India's total exports expanded to 9.2% during this five-month window, up from 8.1% recorded in the same timeframe a year earlier.

An official highlighted that as New Delhi deepens its engagement with the broader bloc, the strongest trade momentum is originating from the core founding partners. The official noted that exports to core BRICS markets are growing nearly three times faster than shipments directed to the broader BRICS grouping, establishing these nations as a vital pillar of India's long-term export strategy.

China emerged as the single largest contributor among the core group, with Indian exports expanding by 39% to reach $9.6 billion over the five-month period. Meanwhile, South Africa registered the fastest individual growth rate, with shipments surging by 58%. Brazil and Russia also maintained steady double-digit growth trajectories, posting increases of 13% and 11%, respectively.

The original BRICS framework—consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has undergone considerable expansion in recent years. The bloc expanded in 2024 to incorporate Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia following as a member in 2025. Furthermore, several nations including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam attained BRICS partner country status.

Alongside the expansion within BRICS, India also reported robust export growth across several other key international markets during the April-August period. Outbound shipments to Japan surged by 43% to reach $3.43 billion. This trade momentum with Japan was propelled largely by mineral fuels, which jumped by $231.7 million or 76%, alongside healthy gains in electronics and advanced materials.

Similarly, Indian exports to Italy witnessed a strong upward trend, rising roughly 30% from $3.02 billion to $3.92 billion during the five-month span. Outbound shipments to South Korea also increased by 22% to touch $3.21 billion.

Trade with South Korea continues to be propelled by India's expanding role as a supplier of industrial raw materials, energy products, and intermediate goods that feed directly into South Korea's advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Key sectors fueling this bilateral trade include mineral fuels, electronics, aluminium, iron and steel, and chemicals. As South Korea solidifies its standing as a global hub for automobiles, electronics, and semiconductors, Indian industries are increasingly positioned as preferred sourcing partners.