BRICS Summit 2025: Key Highlights and India’s Role

Introduction

The BRICS alliance—an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has evolved into a powerful intergovernmental organization representing major emerging economies. The 17th BRICS Summit in 2025, hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, marks a pivotal moment as the bloc expands and asserts its influence amid shifting global power dynamics. In the current geopolitical context, the summit is significant for fostering cooperation among the Global South, addressing pressing global challenges, and presenting an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.

BRICS traces its origins to the early 2000s when Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill coined the term “BRIC” to highlight the growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The first formal meeting of these nations took place in 2006, and South Africa joined in 2011, making it BRICS. The group’s aim is to enhance economic cooperation, promote development, and increase the voice of emerging economies in global governance.

Today, BRICS comprises 11 countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The recent expansion, formalized at the 2023 Johannesburg Summit, has boosted the bloc’s global influence, with BRICS+ now accounting for over 37% of world GDP. While the group’s economic heft is undeniable, its political cohesion is sometimes challenged by the diverse interests and geopolitical tensions among its members.

Recent summits have focused on strengthening multilateralism, expanding membership, and addressing issues like global trade, climate change, and international security. The 2023 and 2024 summits, for instance, emphasized the importance of the Global South, WTO reform, and the need for a more inclusive international order.

The 17th BRICS Summit is scheduled for July 6–7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” Brazil has outlined a comprehensive agenda for the summit.

Key agenda items include:

• Global Health Cooperation: Initiatives for equitable access to medicines and vaccines, including the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
• Trade, Investment, and Finance: Discussions on financial market reforms, use of local currencies, and development of alternative payment platforms.
• Climate Change: Adoption of a BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda and a Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance.
• Artificial Intelligence Governance: Promotion of inclusive and responsible international governance of AI technologies.
• Multilateral Peace and Security Architecture: Efforts to reform global peace and security systems and foster diplomatic solutions.
• Institutional Development: Enhancing the structure and cohesion of BRICS for effective governance.

Participating leaders include heads of state from all 11 member countries, with Brazil’s President Lula da Silva chairing the summit. The event follows a series of preparatory ministerial and technical meetings in Brasília, aimed at solidifying collaborative efforts ahead of the leaders’ summit

The 2025 BRICS Summit is notable for its focus on deepening cooperation among the Global South and addressing shared challenges. Key economic, political, and strategic decisions include:

• Trade and Investment: The summit endorsed a Joint Declaration reaffirming commitment to equitable, inclusive, and rules-based global trade. Climate-related trade measures should not be used as tools of discrimination or disguised restrictions.
• Financial Reforms: Discussions on reducing reliance on the US dollar and developing alternative payment systems, especially in response to threats of increased tariffs from the United States.
• Expansion and Membership: The summit welcomed new members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—marking a historic expansion and enhancing the bloc’s geopolitical influence.
• Digital Economy and Startups: India launched the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub, a platform for cross-border collaboration and strengthening startup ecosystems across member countries.
• Global Health and Climate Change: The summit prioritized global health cooperation and climate action, with new partnerships and frameworks to address neglected diseases and climate finance.

The summit also saw discussions on the potential for a BRICS common currency, though concrete steps remain under consideration. Diplomatic moves included bilateral meetings among leaders, with a focus on fostering trust and addressing regional security concerns.

India played a proactive and constructive role at the 2025 BRICS Summit. During the Trade Ministers’ Meeting, India called for dismantling export controls among BRICS members and encouraged mutual support within the bloc, advocating for a fair, transparent, and inclusive multilateral trading system. India also emphasized the need for WTO reform, particularly regarding food security and sustainable development.

On the sidelines, India engaged in bilateral discussions with key partners, reinforcing its commitment to regional stability and economic cooperation. The launch of the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub under India’s leadership highlights its focus on innovation and digital transformation.

India’s participation in the summit underscores its growing influence in the Global South and its leadership in shaping the bloc’s agenda. The country’s emphasis on rules-based trade, climate action, and digital economy initiatives aligns with its broader economic and diplomatic objectives.

The 2025 BRICS Summit drew significant attention from global powers and international media. The expansion of BRICS and its assertive stance on global governance reform were seen as a challenge to Western-dominated institutions. Experts noted that while BRICS+ now accounts for a substantial share of global GDP, internal differences and geopolitical rivalries among members could limit its cohesion.

International reactions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges posed by BRICS’ growing influence. The bloc’s focus on local currency use, alternative payment systems, and global health cooperation was widely discussed. Analysts pointed out that BRICS’ success in addressing the needs of the Global South could redefine the contours of international cooperation, but achieving consensus among diverse members remains a key test.

The 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro was a landmark event, marked by the bloc’s historic expansion and a robust agenda focused on the Global South, trade, climate change, and digital transformation. Key outcomes included new partnerships, financial reforms, and initiatives to strengthen multilateralism and inclusive governance.

Looking ahead, BRICS cooperation is poised to play a greater role in global affairs, offering an alternative vision for international governance. For India, the summit reinforced its leadership in the Global South and its commitment to rules-based, sustainable development. As BRICS continues to evolve, India’s strategic engagement will be crucial in shaping the bloc’s future direction and impact on the world stage.

Sources: BRICS, PIB

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