The BRICS grouping—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—welcomes six new members: Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
This expansion, agreed at last year’s Kazan Summit, reinforces BRICS as a developing-world counterpart to the G7.
Pragmatic pluralism
Brazil, currently holding the rotating presidency, has steered BRICS away from anti-West rhetoric.
Instead, it has emphasised practical solutions and international cooperation.
This tone sets the stage for the upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6–7 July.
BRICS leaders will focus on six critical areas:
- A more efficient BRICS payment system to boost trade and investment.
- Ethical and inclusive governance for artificial intelligence.
- Reforming climate finance and prioritising green infrastructure.
- Strengthening public health cooperation across member states.
- Reforming the global peace architecture.
- Enhancing institutional cohesion within BRICS.
De‑dollarisation & financial innovation
An increasing number of central banks are reducing their US dollar reserves.
The IMF cited declining dollar holdings and rising gold reserves in its June 2024 report.
BRICS is advancing plans for a shared digital currency, aiming to reduce dependence on the dollar and create an alternative to SWIFT.
The focus on a BRICS-based settlement system reflects broader efforts to protect economic sovereignty.
These discussions signal deep shifts in the global financial landscape.
AI governance with an ethical framework
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
The 2024 Stanford AI Index reports that over 77 % of companies now use AI.
India ranks fourth globally for AI vibrancy, after the US, China, and the UK.
BRICS members are pushing for AI governance rooted in human rights, data protection, and transparency.
The New Development Bank (NDB) has begun funding projects that promote inclusive, ethical AI, guided by UNESCO’s 2021 AI ethics recommendations.
Digital sovereignty for the global south
Leaders stress that digital autonomy is essential for equitable development.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI Mission serve as models for other BRICS nations.
There is a collective aim to share technology, promote internet access, and reduce digital divides across the Global South.
Climate finance: A contentious issue
Under the UN climate accords, wealthier nations must provide financial support to developing nations.
However, Western countries have been slow to honour these commitments.
BRICS nations are advocating for improved and equitable climate finance mechanisms.
India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted at the NDB annual meeting that sustainable development requires more than funding—it needs trust, fairness, and strong governance.
She noted that India now ranks fourth globally in renewable energy, with capacity exceeding 200 GW.
In Rio, India aims to showcase its leadership in digital governance and renewable energy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Net Zero pledge at COP26 bolsters India’s credentials.
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has planted over 200 crore trees, exemplifying green commitment.
As protectionism rises and global trust erodes, the BRICS summit highlights a turning point.
By advancing digital sovereignty, ethical AI, and fair climate finance, BRICS seeks to position itself as a new centre of global influence.
The upcoming summit in Rio will determine whether these ambitions translate into real-world change.
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