PM Narendra Modi will play a pivotal role at the 17th BRICS Summit, which begins Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, as the grouping navigates global economic uncertainties and rising geopolitical tensions.
PM Modi to anchor BRICS towards founding economic vision
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Brazil on Saturday and is expected to help steer BRICS closer to its original mission of economic development and cooperation.
Alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, PM Modi will aim to shift focus away from the increasing political undertones, largely driven by China and Russia.
Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend in person.
Putin will address the summit via video link, while Chinese Premier Li Qiang will represent China.
India to push for moderate stance on global issues
As the leader of the second-largest economy and the most populous country in the bloc, PM Modi will play a key role in shaping the BRICS agenda.
India will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and will likely advocate a balanced stance on divisive issues.
At the recent SCO Summit, India refused to sign a joint statement condemning Israel.
PM Modi is expected to carry this position into the BRICS deliberations as well.
US Tariff Disputes and Global Trade Under Discussion
The summit is likely to address the US tariff war.
India is expected to counter proposals condemning ‘unilateral coercive measures’ by the US. It will instead promote a neutral tone that highlights shared concerns without naming countries.
Given the delicate phase of India’s ongoing trade talks with the US, New Delhi is unlikely to support confrontational rhetoric led by China and Russia.
Iran and Gaza conflicts: Focus on concern, not condemnation
India’s influence has already led BRICS to soften its approach in previous statements.
A May 2024 declaration on Iran excluded direct condemnation to secure India’s backing.
At this summit, discussions around Iran and the Gaza conflict will likely echo similar restraint.
Although Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian cancelled his trip, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will represent the country and advocate its position directly.
Summit Agenda: AI, Climate, Health, Trade
Brazil, under its 2025 BRICS chairmanship theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, has selected key focus areas for the summit, including:
- Artificial Intelligence and its global impacts
- Climate change, with Brazil set to host COP30 later this year
- Health cooperation
- Trade, investment, and sustainable finance
Indonesia and new members join the BRICS expansion
Indonesia, represented by President Prabowo Subianto, will participate for the first time after joining BRICS this year.
BRICS, formed in 2006, expanded from the original four to include South Africa (2011), and Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia in 2024.
BRICS now also includes a tier of ‘partner countries’ like Belarus, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Uganda, and others, many of whom have sent leaders to the summit.
Several other nations, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Venezuela, and Sri Lanka, have submitted membership applications.
India blocks BRICS currency proposal
India has firmly opposed the proposal for a BRICS-wide currency, which China had advocated as an alternative to the US dollar.
US President Donald Trump had earlier warned against the move, calling it a threat to the global financial order.
India’s rejection highlights its focus on BRICS as a development-driven bloc, not a geopolitical tool.
Also Read: Indian Diaspora In Brazil Welcomes PM Modi With ‘Operation Sindoor’ Themed Cultural Tribute
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