Jul 7, 2025
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The 17th BRICS Summit 2025 (July 6–7, 2025) will be hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under Brazil’s rotating chairmanship. The summit’s theme emphasizes cooperation among developing nations – guided by the motto “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and newer members) is a forum of major emerging economies. The summit agenda is expected to address trade, technology, climate finance and global governance issues relevant to the Global South. It will be a platform for these countries to coordinate policy and push for more inclusive institutions.
17th BRICS 2025 Summit Overview
Participants: Original BRICS plus Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, UAE; key partner countries also present
Brazil’s Chairmanship: Host President Lula leads under the theme "Inclusive and Sustainable Global South"
Key Agenda of 17th BRICS Summit 2025
Global South & Multilateralism
Economic & Trade Cooperation
Climate & Sustainable Development
Technology & Governance
Geopolitical Balance: U.S. & China
Brazil carefully avoiding provocative rhetoric to not attract U.S. tariffs
Absences of Xi Jinping and Putin (represented in absentia) reflect internal complexities
Table of content
Key 17th BRICS Summit 2025 Outcomes
Global Governance Reform
Urgent restructuring of the United Nations Security Council, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization was endorsed to mirror contemporary economic and political dynamics.
Peace and Security
Unanimous condemnation of terrorism, with specific reference to the Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, and a call for uncompromising action against state sponsors of terror.
Technology & Artificial Intelligence
Adoption of a framework for responsible AI governance that balances regulatory safeguards with innovation incentives. Proposal to establish a BRICS Science & Research Repository to democratize access to scientific data across member states.
Economic & Financial Cooperation
Commitment to on‑demand, sustainable financing through the New Development Bank (NDB) and reinforcement of resilient supply chains for critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt).
Indonesia’s Accession
Indonesia formally became the first Southeast Asian member of BRICS, strengthening the Asia‑Africa‑Latin America trilateral axis.
The leaders also expressed full support for India’s BRICS Chair ship in 2026 and the holding of the 18th BRICS Summit in India.
Origins & Evolution
2001: Economist Jim O’Neill (Goldman Sachs) coins the term "BRIC" — referring to Brazil, Russia, India, and China — recognizing their fast-growing economic potential
2009: The first BRIC leaders’ summit takes place in Yekaterinburg, Russia
Post-2010: BRICS emerges as a platform for advocating a multipolar world order and greater Global South voice in international affairs.
Pic credit: Geopolitical Economy Report
By 2025, BRICS has ten member countries. Their years of entry are:
Country | Year Joined |
Brazil | 2009 (founding member) |
Russia | 2009 (founding member) |
India | 2009 (founding member) |
China | 2009 (founding member) |
South Africa | 2010 |
Egypt | 2024 |
Ethiopia | 2024 |
Iran | 2024 |
United Arab Emirates | 2024 |
Indonesia | 2025 |
Multipolarity & Global Governance
BRICS challenges Western dominance, pushing for more equitable representation in institutions like IMF, World Bank, UN
South–South Cooperation
Financial institutions (NDB, CRA) support infrastructure and liquidity in developing nations, showcasing alternatives to Bretton Woods systems.
Economic & Political Influence
As a collective bloc, BRICS amplifies Global South voices and can influence international policies-critical for topics like global trade, finance, and foreign policy.
Expansion Dynamics
New members (Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia) increase diversity, but also pose consensus challenges - an important case study for understanding bloc politics.
BRICS has built several institutions to advance its agenda:
New Development Bank (NDB): Established in 2014, the NDB provides loans and guarantees for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. It focuses on clean energy, transport, sanitation and other development needs. The NDB was designed as an alternative to the World Bank, aiming for faster access and more equality among shareholders. To date it has approved tens of billions in projects.
Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): This is a pooled currency reserve created by BRICS central banks to provide liquidity support during financial crises (akin to a mini-IMF). The CRA builds financial resilience by allowing members to tap common reserves when their currencies face pressure.
BRICS Business Council: A forum for business leaders to promote trade and investment ties. The council identifies policy reforms and projects to boost commerce among BRICS countries.
Research and Dialogue Platforms: BRICS supports joint statistical publications, a proposed high-speed internet cable (the “BRICS Cable”), and networks of think tanks, universities, and youth forums to foster cooperation. For example, since 2011 BRICS national statistical agencies have published a joint annual report to harmonize data.
Other Mechanisms: BRICS is exploring digital payment systems (BRICS Pay), data economy agreements, and possibly a common currency (still in early conceptual stages). All these institutions aim to enhance South–South cooperation and reduce dependence on Western-led systems.
Note: To get a deep dive into BRICS UPSC read our detailed blog: BRICS
17th BRICS Summit 2025– Rio de Janeiro (July 6–7, 2025)
Host & Chairmanship
Brazil: Latin America’s largest economy assumed the Chairship of 17th BRICS Summit , starting January 1, 2025.
Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”
Venue of 17th BRICS Summit : Rio de Janeiro, a major port and cultural hub, hosting leaders at the Museum of Modern Art.
Overarching Motif: “Inclusive and Sustainable Global South”.
Brazil’s Six Strategic Priorities:
1. Core Member Countries 🇧🇷🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳🇿🇦🇪🇬🇪🇹🇮🇷🇦🇪🇮🇩
All 10 BRICS nations will participate:
Full in-person attendance: Brazil (host), India (PM Modi), South Africa (President Ramaphosa)
Leaders absent / represented by deputies:
2. BRICS‑Plus & Guest Nations
Brazil has extended invitations to several African and Latin American leaders, continuing the tradition of outreach seen in previous summits with about 35+ partner countries in Kazan (2024).
Among invited nations, India supported Ghana’s bid to join BRICS, emphasizing that expansion is a consensus-driven process .
Saudi Arabia, frequently present, has opted to delay its full membership.
3. Global South Diplomacy & Coalition-Building in 17th BRICS Summit
Summit highlights BRICS’s evolving structure: a global coalition of emerging economies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Presence of guest countries and BRICS‑Plus partners underscores the bloc’s influence beyond its core membership and strengthens South–South cooperation.
4. Consensus Dynamics & Institutional Evolution
The attendance of deputies from China/Russia reflects internal diversity and the limits of consensus in a bloc with varied political systems and priorities.
Debates over expansion, representation, and voice in global forums (e.g., Ghana, Saudi Arabia, United Nations reforms) are key case studies in bloc governance and geopolitics.
Global Health Cooperation
BRICS Vaccine R&D Network discussed, aligning with initiatives to strengthen joint pandemic preparedness and vaccine access.
Health Ministers’ Declaration approved a partnership to eradicate TB and socially determined diseases; launched the BRICS TB Research Network and pledged deeper cooperation on novel TB vaccines.
Ministers’ approval of a framework to fight socially determined diseases and accelerate vaccine cooperation.
Trade, Investment & Finance
India pushed for removal of export controls among BRICS in May 2025, advocating dismantling restrictions to strengthen intra-bloc supply chains.
India’s “30 for 30” initiative (WTO reform toolkit) and call for concessional transfer of Environmentally Sound Technologies featured strongly.
BRICS trade ministers approved annexures on WTO reform, Data Economy Governance, and Trade & Sustainability frameworks.
A BRICS Multilateral Guarantee Fund (BMG), backed by the NDB, plans to reduce financing costs and de-risk infrastructure and sustainability projects - pilot programs to be launched in 2026.
Climate Change & Sustainability
Brazil advanced a BRICS Climate Finance Framework and a “Climate Leadership Agenda”, connecting with progress at UN climate talks in Belém.
Focus on environmental resilience, notably through Amazon protection and COP30-aligned goals.
AI & Technology Governance
Continued cooperation on AI ethics and digital governance, building on India’s IndiaAI, Digital Public Infrastructure, and the Global Partnership on AI.
Adoption of BRICS Data Economy Governance Understanding, recognizing DPI as a key enabler.
Peace, Security & Multilateralism
Summit to reaffirm support for rules-based international order, with renewed calls for UNSC and IMF reforms.
Final declaration expected to condemn terrorism, reference India’s recent attacks, and endorse peaceful conflict resolution amid Israel‑Iran and Gaza discourse .
Institutional Development & Outreach
Brazil, as Chair, emphasizes permanent BRICS Secretariat, youth programs, and smarter governance structures.
Rio formally submitted an operational summit plan, drawing 4,000+ participants from 37 countries — the city also floated hosting a future BRICS headquarters.
Continued BRICS‑Plus expansion: over 30 nations expressed interest, with several dignitaries invited from Africa and Latin America.
Geopolitical Balancing & Diplomacy
Brazil under Lula pursued a moderate, non-confrontational agenda, aiming to avoid hostility from the U.S.—especially amid Trump-era tariff threats.
Summit marked by absences of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin (attending via deputies), which underlined expansion-related internal divides.
Theme | Significance |
Health & Pandemic Prep | Example of Global South solidarity in healthcare diplomacy. |
Trade Reform | India’s “30 for 30” and export control push are key for exam analysis on global trade governance. |
Finance Innovation | BMG shows creative multilateral financial instruments (key PS2). |
Climate Commitments | COP30 linkage and forest protection enhance answers on environmental diplomacy. |
Tech Governance | AI collaboration and DPI fit into emerging tech governance debates (GS3). |
Institutional Strengthening | Formal summit operations & secretariat point to bloc maturation. |
Geopolitical Dynamics | Brazil’s balancing act and member absences illustrate multipolar negotiation complexities. |
The 17th BRICS Summit is significant for India’s foreign policy. As an original member and the incoming BRICS chair for 2026, India will be keen to shape outcomes. India’s priorities at the summit include:
Global South Leadership: India aims to present itself as a leader of emerging economies. External Affairs Secretary Dammu Ravi noted that PM Modi’s participation in 17th BRICS Summit would express India’s solidarity with the Global South and provide an opportunity to engage with those leaders. In the summit declaration, India expects language endorsing a tough stance against terrorism (reflecting its own security concerns).
Technology and Digital Infrastructure: India will showcase its success with Digital India and Aadhaar/UPI systems. At 17th BRICS Summit meetings India has highlighted Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a model for inclusive growth and has pushed for cooperation on AI and data governance. The BRICS Data Economy Framework (supported by all members) recognizes DPI as a key enabler of digital transformation.
Climate and Health Initiatives: Building on its initiatives, India will press BRICS to adopt the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) mission, and collaborate on low-carbon technologies. In May 2025, India introduced LiFE as a BRICS climate initiative, aligning with the summit’s climate agenda. India also hopes to drive cooperation on manufacturing affordable medicines and tackling non-communicable diseases.
Global Governance and Trade Reforms: India advocates reforms to make global institutions more responsive to developing countries. It calls for solutions on WTO issues (like food security stockpiles) and voiced support for the “30-for-30” plan to revise World Trade Organization rules on its 30th anniversary. These positions reflect India’s desire for a fairer trade system.
Economic and Strategic Interests: With an eye on investment, India will seek to boost exports to BRICS markets (textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery) and secure energy and minerals. India’s commerce minister argued that expanded BRICS membership (with countries like Egypt, Ethiopia) will increase market access for Indian goods. (India has also begun investment projects in Ethiopia and other African members.) Separately, after the summit PM Modi plans a bilateral visit to Brazil to deepen defence and energy ties – for example, Brazil has expressed interest in Indian Akash missiles, patrol vessels, and civil nuclear technology.
By bringing these assets to the table, India hopes to build momentum for its policy agenda and strengthen partnerships within the bloc. All these aspects are relevant for UPSC aspirants studying India’s external affairs and its role in multilateral groupings.
India can offer concrete resources and ideas at the summit:
Digital Public Infrastructure: India’s Aadhaar biometric ID, UPI payments system, and health/education platforms are cited as successful DPI models. India will likely propose BRICS-wide adoption of similar digital tools (for example, exchange of best practices via the India-led Centre for Development of Advanced Computing).
Technology and Education: Collaboration on AI (through IndiaAI) and capacity-building (Indian institutions offering training) are on India’s agenda. India has already partnered with BRICS on an AI scorecard for best practices.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: As the “pharmacy of the Global South,” India offers to supply generics and vaccines. For instance, India has proposed a BRICS Vaccine Research network to improve health security.
Climate Solutions: India is promoting its renewable energy and solar initiatives for use in fellow BRICS countries. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (co-founded by India) may be highlighted for collective action.
Defence and Security: On the sidelines, India and Brazil have agreed to explore defence collaborations. For example, Brazilian officials have expressed interest in Indian Akash surface-to-air missiles and Ocean Surveillance Ships. India may propose joint counterterrorism efforts (already reflected in draft BRICS declarations).
BRICS summits serve as an annual summit of major emerging economies, creating a collective voice for the Global South. They are significant because:
Voice of Emerging Economies: BRICS members together account for roughly half the world population and a large share of global GDP (PPP). The summits highlight issues – from institutional reform to trade – that developing countries prioritize, challenging the dominance of Western-led forums.
South–South Cooperation: Through BRICS institutions (NDB/CRA), these meetings attempt to build alternatives to Western finance. As the Council on Foreign Relations notes, the NDB and CRA were created to “mimic the World Bank and IMF,” invigorating South-South cooperation and reducing dependence on traditional funding. Over time, BRICS has approved substantial financing for infrastructure and green projects – signaling a shift towards self-driven development aid.
Geopolitical Balancing: Summits send diplomatic signals. For example, members often issue joint statements on conflicts, indicating collective stances. The grouping’s expansion (2010 and 2024) underscores a push for a multipolar order. Analysts have observed that Brazil and India, in particular, want to show BRICS as a platform for development and not just anti-Western rhetoric. Participation of major leaders (PM Modi, Presidents Lula, etc.) raises the bloc’s international profile.
Policy Coordination: BRICS summits set the strategic agenda for projects and ministerial meet-ups throughout the year. For UPSC context, note that India has used BRICS forums (like trade ministers’ meetings) to press its global trade and technology goals, reflecting how outcomes of these summits filter into policy.
Despite its rising global profile, BRICS faces structural and strategic challenges that affect its cohesion and effectiveness:
1. Diverse Membership
BRICS comprises nations with varied political systems and economic priorities. China's economic dominance and alignment with some new members can create friction with India and Brazil. India-China tensions-including border disputes and regional competition-spill into BRICS dynamics. Expansion has also raised concerns about the bloc tilting toward China-Russia interests.
2. Consensus-Based Decision-Making
BRICS operates on unanimity, meaning any country can block decisions. This often results in delayed actions and diluted statements. For example, failure to agree on UNSC reform or consistent language on terrorism reflects internal divisions, slowing progress on key global issues.
3. External Geopolitical Pressures
Global crises test BRICS unity. Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions, and US-China rivalry influence member alignments. Sanctions on Russia and disagreements on international conflicts (e.g., Gaza war) create diplomatic imbalances. These external factors complicate summit agendas, especially for neutral players like India and Brazil.
4. Weak Implementation and Follow-Through
BRICS often announces bold initiatives-like a BRICS currency or infrastructure push-but implementation lags. The New Development Bank (NDB), though symbolically important, has disbursed modest sums (~$5 billion in 2024), far behind competitors like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Without strong follow-up mechanisms, impact remains limited.
5. Internal Contradictions and Expansion Woes
The 2024 expansion exposed ideological rifts. Democracies like India and Brazil focus on development and equity, while Russia and China may pursue geopolitical leverage. BRICS now includes rivals like Egypt and Ethiopia, raising concerns over consensus-building and bloc coherence. Aligning interests across such diverse members is a persistent challenge.
1. Focus on Deliverables
To boost credibility, BRICS must prioritize actionable outcomes—like aligning BRICS climate goals with COP targets or launching a BRICS vaccine R&D network. Progress on joint infrastructure or research projects will showcase real value beyond summit declarations.
2. Strengthen BRICS Institutions
Enhancing capacity of key bodies like the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is vital. Increasing funding, staff, and setting loan targets (NDB has approved $32–39 billion) can deepen impact. A permanent BRICS secretariat could ensure follow-through.
3. Boost Intra-BRICS Trade & Finance
To improve economic resilience, BRICS should expand local currency trade, develop payment systems, and explore currency swap lines. Promoting intra-BRICS supply chain diversification will reduce external vulnerabilities.
4. Inclusive Expansion via BRICS+
India favors gradual, consensus-based BRICS expansion. The BRICS+ model—inviting select Global South partners to summits-allows flexibility without diluting effectiveness. Expansion must remain strategic, not symbolic.
5. Prioritize Global South Agenda
Refocusing on development can unite BRICS. India and Brazil emphasize poverty reduction, sustainability, and shared prosperity over power politics. Initiatives like joint agricultural research or disaster relief cooperation align with this agenda.
Q. What IMF reforms are BRICS advocating?
A. BRICS finance ministers seek quota realignment, increased voting power for developing countries, merit-based leadership, and an end to European IMF control. Their unified proposal will be tabled at the December 2025 IMF review.
Q. What major health cooperation initiatives are included?
A. BRICS will unveil partnerships like the TB Research Network, the Partnership for Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, and a BRICS Vaccine R&D Centre to strengthen pandemic preparedness.
Q. What are the summit’s climate and environmental priorities?
A. Brazil is promoting the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, focusing on Amazon preservation and linking climate finance to COP30 targets. China has pledged investment to support this initiative.
Q. What tech and AI governance plans are proposed?
A. BRICS will endorse AI ethics guidelines, promote Data Economy Governance, and back Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) frameworks—with India contributing its IndiaAI, UPI, Aadhaar, and DPI experience .
Q. Who are the BRICS‑Plus and guest invitees?
A. Over 30 partner countries from Africa, Latin America, and Asia are invited. India backed Ghana’s membership ambition, while Saudi Arabia remains on hold .
The 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio represents a continuation of emerging economies’ effort to coordinate on the global stage. Its focus on Global South cooperation reflects long-standing BRICS goals – challenging unipolarity and advocating reform of international institutions For India, the summit is an opportunity to advance its development agenda (digital infrastructure, trade reform, climate action) and to solidify alliances with fellow South nations. However, diverse interests and geopolitical headwinds remain major hurdles. Policymakers and UPSC aspirants should note that the Rio summit’s outcomes will indicate BRICS’ strengths and limits as a forum. The summit’s success or shortcomings – on issues like finance, health or technology – will shape how India and other Global South countries leverage this grouping in future international negotiations. In sum, the 17th BRICS Summit will test whether BRICS can move from rhetorical consensus to tangible cooperation for the Global South.
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