I just saw something quite interesting in the BRICS negotiations. The Reserve Bank of India is pushing hard for a serious plan to connect central bank digital currencies among members at the 2026 summit.

Because here’s what’s relevant: if they manage to link their CBDCs, they would be creating a cross-border payment system completely independent of the dollar. And that’s a pretty bold move considering the current climate.

The RBI’s proposal aims to facilitate trade and tourism between Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members like the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Indonesia. Basically, gradually reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar in regional transactions. Although none of these countries have fully launched their CBDCs yet, all are in pilot phases.

India’s e-rupee, introduced a few years ago, already has about 7 million retail users. China is also moving its pieces, expanding the digital yuan. This is no coincidence; it’s strategy.

Now, this comes at a time when trade tensions between the U.S. and India are at a boiling point. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, including Russian oil, and trade negotiations are completely stalled. Prime Minister Modi even delayed a call with Trump a few months ago, causing quite a stir.

What’s interesting is that Trump has already publicly warned that he would threaten 100% tariffs on any attempt by BRICS to replace the dollar. So, this proposal to connect CBDCs is literally the opposite of what Washington wants to see.

If this materializes, it would be the first serious formal attempt to create a CBDC link among these nations. That could significantly change the game in international trade. Some analysts are already seeing this as an important geopolitical move, not just a technological one.

That’s why it’s worth keeping an eye on how this develops. If BRICS manages to implement an interconnected CBDC system, related digital assets could see significant movements. It’s definitely a topic to follow on Gate, where you can see in real time how markets react to these news.