According to The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, exports from Kochi port recorded a 10.4% decline while imports fell 35.9% between January and August.
US President Trump has openly said he wants automakers to move production from Canada to the US, threatening an industry deeply integrated across the border for decades
On BRICS, Sitharaman said the grouping should be viewed as a partnership aimed at improving the welfare of its people rather than as a platform to counter any country or bloc.
Energy cooperation is expected to be an important part of the engagement, particularly as the two countries navigate differences over Russian oil purchases and sanctions.
The layoffs come amid an escalating Canada-U.S. trade war in which Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and other goods and Canada has retaliated with tariffs of its own.
