Chandan Kumar Nath
(chandankumarnath7236@gmail.com)
The 17th BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for the coalition of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” the summit provided a platform for leaders to address pressing global challenges, from climate justice to economic multipolarity. At the heart of the discussions was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose articulate interventions and forward-looking vision for India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship captivated global attention. Modi’s roadmap, rooted in resilience, innovation, and a “Humanity First” approach, not only reaffirmed India’s growing influence within the bloc but also positioned BRICS as a counterweight to Western-dominated global systems.
The BRICS grouping, originally formed in 2006 as BRIC and expanded to include South Africa in 2010, has evolved into a formidable voice for the Global South. With the inclusion of new members in 2024 and Indonesia in 2025, the bloc now represents nearly half the world’s population, 40% of global GDP, and a quarter of global trade. This expansion underscores BRICS’ ambition to challenge the unipolar world order and advocate for a multipolar framework that prioritizes the interests of developing nations. The 2025 summit, hosted by Brazil under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was a testament to this ambition, with the Rio de Janeiro Declaration serving as a blueprint for collective action on issues ranging from climate change to global governance reform. Prime Minister Modi’s participation was a highlight of the summit, reflecting India’s rising stature as a global leader. His addresses across multiple sessions on peace and security, global governance reform, and economic-financial affairs were marked by a blend of pragmatism and idealism. Modi’s vision for BRICS, particularly as India prepares to assume the chairmanship in 2026, revolves around redefining the bloc’s acronym as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.” This reinterpretation encapsulates his belief that BRICS must evolve into a dynamic platform that addresses the interconnected challenges of the 21st century, from technological disruptions to climate crises.
One of Modi’s most compelling interventions came during the session on peace and security, where he made a passionate plea for unified global action against terrorism. Citing the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, Modi described it as an assault on “India’s soul, identity, and dignity.” He urged BRICS nations to shed hesitation in imposing sanctions on terrorists and those who fund or provide safe havens for them, emphasizing that terrorism remains the most serious threat to global stability. The Rio de Janeiro Declaration echoed this sentiment, with BRICS leaders condemning the attack in the strongest terms and pledging to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation. Modi’s call for a consistent, principled approach to combating terrorism without political convenience or double standards resonated deeply, reinforcing India’s role as a moral and strategic anchor within the bloc. Beyond security, Modi’s vision for BRICS is deeply rooted in the concept of climate justice, which he described as a “moral duty” rather than an alternative.
Speaking at the session on “Environment, COP30, and Global Health,” he highlighted India’s remarkable achievement of meeting its Paris Agreement commitments ahead of schedule, despite being the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Modi stressed that without technology transfer and affordable financing for developing nations, climate action risks remaining confined to rhetoric. His advocacy for planetary health and sustainable growth struck a chord, particularly as BRICS nations endorsed India’s bid to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2028. This endorsement signals the bloc’s confidence in India’s leadership on global environmental issues and sets the stage for Modi’s ambitious agenda during India’s 2026 chairmanship.
The summit also provided a platform for Modi to articulate India’s commitment to economic resilience and innovation. In his address on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence,” he emphasized the need for secure and reliable supply chains for critical minerals and technology. Modi cautioned against the weaponization of these resources for selfish gains, advocating for cooperation that ensures equitable access for all nations. This stance aligns with India’s broader push for a multipolar world order, where emerging economies have a stronger voice in global institutions like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund. The Rio de Janeiro Declaration reflected this consensus, with BRICS leaders calling for reforms to make global governance more inclusive and representative. India’s growing influence within BRICS is not merely rhetorical but grounded in its economic and diplomatic achievements. With its economy now ranking as the world’s third-largest in purchasing power parity terms, India has emerged as a beacon of stability amid global uncertainties. Modi’s leadership has positioned the country as a hub for technology and clean energy, with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Voice of the Global South Summits (hosted by India in 2023 and 2024) amplifying the concerns of developing nations. His emphasis on digital inclusion and tech equity at the summit underscored India’s role as a bridge between the Global South and the developed world, fostering cooperation that transcends ideological divides.
The 2025 summit was notable for its inclusivity, with the formal induction of Indonesia as the 10th full member and the addition of 11 partner countries, expanding BRICS’ global outreach. Modi personally welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting the significance of Southeast Asia’s representation in the bloc. This expansion, however, was not without challenges. The absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who participated virtually due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sent his premier instead, drew attention to the geopolitical complexities facing BRICS. Despite these absences, Modi’s presence was described by Brazilian officials as elevating the summit’s stature, underscoring India’s pivotal role as the bloc prepares for its 2026 chairmanship. Modi’s vision for India’s presidency is ambitious yet pragmatic, drawing lessons from India’s successful G20 presidency in 2023. He pledged to advance BRICS with a “people-centric approach and the spirit of Humanity First,” focusing on inclusive development and global cooperation. This vision aligns with Brazil’s 2025 agenda, which emphasized climate justice, developmental finance, and multilateral reform. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s bilateral talks with counterparts from Russia, China, Brazil, and Indonesia further reinforced India’s commitment to deepening South-South cooperation. Her address to the New Development Bank’s board of governors highlighted the need for multilateral development banks to offer technical expertise and concessional financing to address emerging challenges, reflecting India’s pragmatic approach to global fiscal uncertainties.
The summit’s discussions on trade and economic cooperation were particularly significant in light of external pressures, notably from the United States. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS’ “anti-American policies” cast a shadow over the summit, prompting a joint statement from BRICS leaders warning that rising tariffs threaten global trade. Modi’s call for secure supply chains and equitable access to critical resources was a subtle yet firm response to such pressures, reinforcing BRICS’ commitment to economic sovereignty and multipolarity. The proposed BRICS Multilateral Guarantees initiative, aimed at attracting investment to riskier developing countries, further underscores the bloc’s focus on financial integration and resilience. As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, Modi’s vision offers a roadmap for transforming the bloc into a more cohesive and influential force. His emphasis on resilience and innovation reflects an understanding of the interconnected challenges facing the Global South, from climate change to technological disparities. By championing issues like digital inclusion, sustainable development, and counter-terrorism, India aims to redefine BRICS as a platform that not only challenges Western-dominated systems but also fosters inclusive growth. The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, with its 47-page outline of global and regional priorities, provides a strong foundation for India’s presidency, which is expected to build on Brazil’s inclusive and reformist agenda.
Modi’s leadership at the 2025 summit also highlighted India’s strategic autonomy, a cornerstone of its foreign policy. By hedging its positions on contentious issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict and Iran’s role in BRICS, India maintained its credibility as a balanced and pragmatic leader. This approach, coupled with Modi’s cultural diplomacy evident in his promotion of yoga and diaspora engagement, has bolstered India’s soft power, making it a natural leader for the Global South. His meetings on the sidelines of the summit, including with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the President of Cuba, further demonstrated India’s ability to forge strategic partnerships across diverse regions. The 17th BRICS Summit was a defining moment for the bloc, signalling its growing influence in a rapidly changing global landscape. For India, it was an opportunity to showcase its leadership and lay the groundwork for a transformative 2026 presidency. Modi’s vision centred on resilience, innovation, and a “Humanity First” approach offers a compelling blueprint for BRICS’ future. As the world navigates geopolitical realignments and economic rebalancing, India’s role in shaping the bloc’s agenda will be closely watched. With its robust economy, commitment to democratic values, and unwavering focus on the Global South, India is poised to redefine BRICS as a beacon of cooperation and sustainability, ensuring that the voice of the developing world resonates louder than ever on the global stage.
God is with you in everything you do
— The Holy Bible