BRICS Summit 2025
New Delhi : The 17th BRICS Summit, convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, marked a significant milestone in fostering global cooperation among emerging economies. Hosted under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” the summit brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and the newly inducted member, Indonesia, alongside partner countries including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The event, chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, culminated in the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, a comprehensive document outlining the group’s commitment to reforming global governance, combating terrorism, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development.
Prime Minister Modi’s Participation and Key Addresses
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi played a pivotal role at the summit, engaging in discussions across multiple sessions. On July 6, Modi addressed the inaugural session on “Reform of Global Governance and Peace and Security,” emphasizing India’s dedication to amplifying the voice of the Global South. He highlighted the need for greater access to climate finance and technology for developing nations, underscoring that 20th-century global institutions like the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO are ill-equipped to tackle 21st-century challenges. Modi advocated for a multipolar, inclusive world order, urging urgent reforms to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. He expressed gratitude for the summit’s strong stance on UN Security Council reform, as reflected in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.
In the session on “Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence,” Modi outlined four key proposals: a demand-driven, sustainable BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), the creation of a Science and Research repository for the Global South, securing resilient supply chains for critical minerals, and promoting responsible AI governance while fostering innovation. His remarks underscored BRICS’ potential to shape a multipolar world amid global uncertainties.
On July 7, Modi addressed the session on “Environment, COP30, and Global Health,” noting India’s achievement as the first major economy to meet its Paris Agreement commitments ahead of schedule. He stressed that climate justice is a moral duty for India, advocating for technology transfer and affordable financing to ensure effective climate action. Modi highlighted initiatives like Mission LiFE, the International Solar Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance, emphasizing India’s commitment to balancing human life with nature.
Condemning Terrorism and Addressing Global Conflicts
A central theme of the summit was the unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, particularly in light of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Modi described the attack as an assault on humanity, calling for zero tolerance and no double standards in combating terrorism. He urged BRICS nations to hold accountable those funding or sheltering terrorists, a stance echoed in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration. The declaration condemned the attack and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to fighting terrorism in all forms, rejecting any association with religion or ethnicity and advocating for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
The summit also addressed ongoing global conflicts, expressing deep concern over tensions in West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The leaders condemned military strikes against Iran since June 13, 2025, as violations of international law and the UN Charter, expressing alarm over attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. The declaration called for diplomatic solutions and supported initiatives like the African Peace Initiative for resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, BRICS reiterated its support for a two-state solution, condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and forced displacement, while endorsing Palestine’s full UN membership.
Key Initiatives and Declarations
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration outlined several landmark initiatives:
- BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance: This framework aims to ensure accessible, timely, and affordable climate finance for developing countries, supporting just transition pathways. It reflects BRICS’ commitment to multilateralism and the UNFCCC, with a call for developed nations to honor their obligations under the Paris Agreement.
- BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence: The statement promotes responsible AI development, emphasizing compliance with national regulations and the UN Charter to foster inclusive growth and address Global South concerns.
- BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases: This initiative focuses on tackling health disparities rooted in poverty and social exclusion, strengthening global health governance through collaboration with the World Health Organization.
The summit also endorsed India’s candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028, recognizing its leadership in climate action, and supported the principle of “African solutions to African problems” for conflict resolution in regions like Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
Bilateral Engagements and People-to-People Ties
On the sidelines, Modi held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Cuba, Bolivia, and Uruguay, and the Prime Minister of Malaysia. With Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Modi discussed deepening ties in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, Ayurveda, and digital infrastructure like UPI. He proposed Cuba’s recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia to facilitate access to generic medicines. With Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, Modi explored collaboration in digital technology, critical minerals, healthcare, and space, marking Bolivia’s 200th independence anniversary. Discussions with Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi focused on trade, pharmaceuticals, technology, and defense, with Modi noting the rising popularity of yoga in Uruguay. The meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim reviewed progress in trade, defense, and education, with appreciation for Malaysia’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack.
Economic and Financial Cooperation
The summit emphasized strengthening BRICS’ economic framework. The New Development Bank welcomed Colombia and Uzbekistan as borrowing members, reinforcing its role in mobilizing resources for sustainable development. The declaration supported the NDB’s expansion and leadership under President Dilma Rousseff. Discussions on the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative and the establishment of a BRICS Multilateral Guarantees initiative aim to enhance financial resilience and private investment in infrastructure. The BRICS Trade and Sustainable Development Framework was adopted to promote inclusive growth, while concerns were raised about unilateral tariff measures, with the declaration rejecting protectionist policies like carbon border adjustment mechanisms that violate WTO rules.
Climate Action and Sustainable Development
BRICS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, emphasizing equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. The adoption of the BRICS Climate Research Platform and the BRICS Principles for Fair Carbon Accounting underscored the group’s focus on transparent environmental policies. The declaration opposed unilateral trade measures disguised as environmental policies, advocating for a balanced approach to trade and climate goals. Initiatives like the Tropical Forest Forever Facility and the BRICS Partnership for Land Restoration were welcomed, highlighting the group’s role in biodiversity conservation and combating desertification.
Cultural and Social Cooperation
The summit celebrated a decade of BRICS cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, with the adoption of the BRICS Action Plan for Innovation 2025–2030. Cultural initiatives included the establishment of a BRICS platform for cultural and creative industries and support for the return of cultural heritage to countries of origin. The BRICS Technical and Vocational Education and Training Cooperation Alliance Charter was adopted, emphasizing inclusive education. The declaration also highlighted the role of women’s economic participation, with the Women’s Business Alliance advocating for access to credit, education, and healthcare.
Response to Global Economic Challenges
The summit addressed rising global military spending, noting its detrimental impact on development financing. The leaders condemned unilateral coercive measures, such as economic sanctions, for their negative effects on human rights and development. In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of a 10% tariff on BRICS nations for alleged anti-American policies, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized BRICS’ focus on openness and win-win cooperation, rejecting tariff wars as counterproductive. The declaration echoed this stance, voicing concerns over trade-restrictive measures that disrupt global supply chains and exacerbate economic disparities.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The 17th BRICS Summit concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism, global governance reform, and sustainable development. The Rio de Janeiro Declaration positioned BRICS as a pivotal platform for the Global South, advocating for equitable representation in international institutions and addressing pressing challenges like terrorism, climate change, and health disparities. With India set to assume the BRICS chairship in 2026, the summit’s outcomes pave the way for continued collaboration, with Modi inviting leaders to the next summit in India. The event underscored BRICS’ growing influence in shaping a multipolar, inclusive world order, poised to address the complexities of the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the main theme of the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro?
The 17th BRICS Summit, held on July 6-7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, focused on the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” This theme guided discussions on global governance reform, peace and security, climate action, and sustainable development.
2. What are the key initiatives adopted in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration?
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration adopted three major initiatives: the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance to ensure accessible climate funding, the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence for responsible AI development, and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases to address health disparities caused by poverty and social exclusion.
3. How did the BRICS Summit address the issue of terrorism?
The summit strongly condemned terrorism, particularly the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Leaders called for zero tolerance, no double standards, and accountability for those funding or sheltering terrorists, urging the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
4. What reforms to global institutions were proposed at the summit?
The BRICS leaders advocated for comprehensive reforms of global institutions like the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO to reflect 21st-century realities. They emphasized increasing representation of developing countries, especially from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to create a more equitable, multipolar world order.
5. Which new member and partner countries joined BRICS at the 2025 Summit?
The Republic of Indonesia was welcomed as a full BRICS member. Additionally, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were recognized as BRICS partner countries, enhancing the group’s global outreach and cooperation.
