In a historic moment for Assam and India’s entrepreneurial community, Vikram Bothra, an emerging business leader from Assam, made a resounding impact at the BRICS 2025 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Representing India’s voice on MSME, rural enterprise, and local product advocacy, Bothra called upon BRICS nations to adopt a collaborative framework that prioritises promotion of local products on global platforms.
Who Is Vikram Bothra?
Vikram Bothra is a prominent entrepreneur from Assam known for his extensive work in rural industries, handicrafts exports, and bamboo product innovations. His journey, rooted in a small town of Upper Assam, is often cited as a model of grassroots entrepreneurship and global market integration. At just 36, Bothra is:
- Director of Bothra Bamboo Exports Pvt Ltd, one of North East India’s largest bamboo craft exporters.
- Founder of Local To Global India Foundation, an NGO supporting micro entrepreneurs.
- A rising thought leader advocating inclusive growth through local enterprises and sustainable products.
His Speech At BRICS 2025: Key Highlights
During the MSME and Trade Innovation panel at the summit, Bothra made a passionate appeal to BRICS governments and business forums to:
- Establish a BRICS Local Products Council
To create a formal platform for knowledge sharing, trade promotion, and market linkages for products rooted in traditional crafts and indigenous knowledge. - Integrate Local Product Branding With Digital Platforms
Advocated the use of AI and cross-border e-commerce within BRICS to ensure artisans and rural producers are not left behind in the global trade revolution. - Promote Sustainable Rural Industries
Stressed that local products are often environmentally sustainable and labour-intensive, thus aligned with BRICS commitments on climate and inclusive growth. - Strengthen Financial Inclusion Mechanisms
Urged BRICS development banks to earmark funds specifically for MSME clusters manufacturing local products, particularly women-led enterprises.
Bothra concluded his address stating:
“Local products are not merely commodities; they carry the spirit of our communities. Let BRICS lead the world in giving local its deserved global stage.”
Impact Of His Speech At The Summit
His powerful presentation, backed with data from India’s Government e-Marketplace (GeM) success and Assam’s bamboo export growth, reportedly received standing applause from various delegates including:
- South African MSME leaders who echoed similar issues of market access.
- Brazilian cooperatives seeking Indian market entry for Amazonian local products.
- Russian SMEs representatives who expressed interest in technology partnerships for value addition.
Assam’s Bamboo And Handicrafts: Potential For BRICS Integration
| State | Key Local Products | Export Potential (Estimated Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | Bamboo crafts, gamocha, bell metal, handloom fabrics | $750 million |
| Manipur | Cane crafts, black pottery | $200 million |
| Meghalaya | Traditional weaves, natural honey | $150 million |
| Tripura | Bamboo panels, furniture | $300 million |
| Nagaland | Naga shawls, woodcraft | $250 million |
Bothra’s proposal includes leveraging BRICS e-commerce corridors to integrate these products into mainstream trade, ensuring fair pricing and global visibility for artisan communities.
India’s Push For ‘Vocal For Local’ On Global Stage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, since 2020, has repeatedly emphasised ‘Vocal for Local’ as an economic and cultural movement. Bothra’s speech is being seen as an extension of this policy onto BRICS’ strategic economic cooperation framework. Senior officials from the Indian Commerce Ministry present at the summit highlighted:
- India’s upcoming BRICS MSME conclave will prioritise Local Products Council as suggested.
- Discussions are underway for a BRICS rural artisan export financing scheme, potentially announced during the next BRICS Business Council meeting in Moscow.
Reaction From Indian Industry And Policy Circles
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) lauded Bothra’s address stating:
“His articulation brings grassroots enterprise into global diplomacy, reflecting true inclusive economic priorities.”
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) also expressed optimism, suggesting that with proper policy facilitation, Assam and the North East can emerge as India’s green trade corridor for handicrafts and agro-products within BRICS markets.
Global Analysts On Bothra’s Advocacy
International trade experts believe Bothra’s framework is timely:
- Prof. Luiz Almeida, Brazilian Trade Analyst:
“BRICS needs new ideas beyond traditional commodity trading. His approach integrates sustainability, jobs, and technology for mutual benefit.” - Dr. Olga Petrov, Moscow Economic University:
“Russia is looking at bamboo and cane products for construction and design. Bothra’s pitch could fast-track Indo-Russian SME partnerships.”
Future Plans: Local To Global India Foundation
Bothra announced that his foundation will launch a ‘BRICS Local Product Incubation Hub’ based in Guwahati to:
- Train 1,000 artisans in digital branding and global quality standards by 2026.
- Facilitate virtual B2B meets with Brazil, Russia, and South Africa every quarter.
- Create a digital marketplace exclusively for BRICS local products.
Challenges Ahead
Despite overwhelming support, experts flagged potential hurdles:
- Tariff Barriers: Certain BRICS countries have high duties on finished handicrafts.
- Logistics: Direct shipping links from Eastern India to South America remain limited.
- Certification Standards: Varying standards and certifications for products like bamboo panels and herbal products may delay market entry.
Bothra acknowledged these but remained confident, adding:
“Policy barriers are temporary. What we need is the political and entrepreneurial will to overcome them.”
Public Reaction In Assam
In Assam, Bothra’s BRICS speech became a major point of pride with hashtags like #AssamAtBRICS, #VikramBothra, and #LocalToGlobal trending regionally. Many youth entrepreneurs hailed his articulation as a roadmap for aspiring MSME leaders of the state.
State Industries Minister, in an official congratulatory note, said:
“Vikram Bothra has showcased Assam’s potential on the world stage. The government will extend full support to his initiatives for local product exports.”
Conclusion
Vikram Bothra’s impactful presence at the BRICS 2025 Summit marks a crucial chapter in India’s global economic diplomacy rooted in grassroots entrepreneurship. By advocating a structural push for local products within BRICS, Bothra has not only amplified Assam’s voice but also strengthened India’s vision of inclusive, sustainable globalisation.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on official statements, public speeches, and industry inputs. It is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to refer to official BRICS summit documents and ministry releases for precise policy announcements and implementation updates.
