The recent two-day BRICS summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, underscored the urgent need for enhanced integration among nations of the Southern Hemisphere, as articulated in a collaborative statement. Brazil hosted the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, 2025. As an influential coalition representing major emerging economies, BRICS is a significant intergovernmental organization. The summit will be chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will guide the bloc's discussions, initiatives, and activities. This year's theme is "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance." Stay tuned for key discussions, the main agenda, and highlights from BRICS 2025.

This summit also called for significant reforms in the United Nations and other global organizations, particularly highlighting the necessity for changes within the Security Council. The member nations emphasized the importance of mutual respect and the safeguarding of sovereignty while striving for inclusive development.

Global South Victim of Double Standards: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India received strong backing from fellow BRICS leaders, who affirmed their solidarity with India in its ongoing battle against terrorism. Notably, the summit condemned the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam and called for a unified denunciation of terrorism in all its forms. Participants voiced concern over the lack of a decisive global role for BRICS nations, despite their importance in the global economy.

Modi’s speech resonated with India’s long-standing policies and underscored that the inclusion of new members would further bolster BRICS. He reaffirmed India's commitment to the coalition, which aims to foster global goodwill, and highlighted BRICS' historical advocacy against hunger and poverty. The summit also denounced the Israeli attacks on Iran and the violence in Gaza, labelling such actions as inhumane and a disgrace to humanity.

Leaders Back India, Brazil for Bigger UNSC Role

Modi articulated the exclusion of two-thirds of the global population from major world institutions, framing this as an issue of credibility and efficacy; he compared this exclusion to a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network. He stressed that the priorities of wealthy nations overshadow the needs of poorer countries, whose appeals for assistance often go unheard. Furthermore, Modi pointed out the lack of engagement in crucial areas such as environmental protection, sustainable development, and technological advancement for the Southern Hemisphere, advocating for meaningful reforms with tangible effects. He highlighted the inadequacy of representation in high-level forums like the Security Council, which limits the ability to address injustices faced by emerging nations.

BRICS Nations Hit Back At Trump Over Tariff Threats

In response to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump during the summit, leaders from BRICS, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressed strong opposition to any protectionist rhetoric. Jinping emphasized that BRICS nations do not pursue conflict and do not endorse protectionist measures. The growing alliance, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and remains firmly against U.S. protectionist policies. BRICS collectively condemned Trump’s warning of tariffs against countries taking anti-U.S. positions, arguing that such measures could exacerbate the struggles of the world’s most impoverished nations. The summit concluded with a unified commitment to collaboratively counter emerging global trends detrimental to economic equity.