17TH BRICS SUMMIT
Context:
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6-7, 2025.
- Host Country: Brazil
- Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”
BRICS EXPANSION
- The summit was notable for being the first after BRICS expansion, with the inclusion of:
- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- The expanded BRICS now represents:
- 49.5% of the world population
- 40% of global GDP
- 26% of global trade
KEY FOCUS AREAS
- Reform of global governance institutions
- Representation and voice for the Global South
- Peace and security, especially in conflict zones
- Strengthening multilateralism
- Development, climate finance, and technology access
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital cooperation
- Economic resilience and trade in local currencies
PARTICIPATION OF PM MODI
Session 1: Reform of Global Governance, Peace & Security
1. Enhancing the Voice of the Global South
- PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to ensuring that developing countries have greater representation in global decision-making bodies.
- He highlighted the need for improved access to climate finance and technology transfer to achieve sustainable development.
2. Reforming Global Institutions
- He emphasized that 20th-century institutions are inadequate for 21st-century challenges.
- Called for urgent reforms in:
- UN Security Council (UNSC)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Welcomed the adoption of strong language on UNSC reform in the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.
- Notably, China and Russia reiterated support for the aspirations of India and Brazil for enhanced roles at the UN.
3. Counter-Terrorism and Security
- PM Modi denounced terrorism as a grave threat to humanity.
- Referred to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025) as an assault on global peace.
- Urged:
- Zero tolerance towards terrorism
- Rejection of double standards
- Action against those who finance, promote, or shelter terrorists
- Appreciated the strong condemnation of terrorism in the Summit Declaration.
4. Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Expressed concern over conflicts in West Asia and Europe.
- Reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy and offered India’s support for peace initiatives.
Session 2: Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs & AI
1. Relevance of BRICS in a Multipolar World
- PM Modi emphasized that diversity and multipolarity are strengths of BRICS.
- Asserted that BRICS is well-positioned to shape a stable and fair world order.
PM Modi’s four proposals for strengthened cooperation:
| Area | Proposal |
| New Development Bank (NDB) | Should be demand-driven, sustainable, and maintain a strong credit rating. |
| Science & Research Repository | Create a shared repository for academic and research collaboration, inspired by India’s One Nation, One Subscription model. |
| Critical Minerals Supply Chains | Build secure and resilient supply chains to avoid resource weaponization. |
| Responsible Artificial Intelligence | Promote “AI for All”. India to host the AI Impact Summit in 2026; called for responsible and human-centric AI governance. |
KEY OUTCOMES
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration was adopted as the official outcome document of the summit, highlighting the following:
1. Global Governance Reforms
- Strong consensus for urgent reforms of the UN, IMF, WB, and WTO to make them more democratic, effective, and representative.
2. Climate Finance & AI
- Adoption of:
- BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance
- BRICS Statement on Global AI Governance
3. Economic Cooperation
- Push for de-dollarisation:
- Increased use of local currencies in trade.
- No proposal for a common BRICS currency.
4. BRICS Multilateral Guarantee Mechanism (BMG)
- Unveiled to mobilize private investment in:
- Infrastructure
- Sustainable development
- Climate-related projects
5. Health Cooperation
- Endorsed the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.
6. Rejection of Unilateral Sanctions
- Condemned unilateral coercive measures and secondary sanctions for violating international law and human rights.
INDIA’S BROADER DIPLOMATIC & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
1. India–Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement
- PM Modi reiterated India’s intention to expand trade ties with Latin American countries, especially Argentina and Brazil.
2. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- Though not directly discussed at the summit, India invited Argentina to join this India-led environmental alliance, focusing on big cat conservation
3. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Diplomacy
- India continues to promote its DPI models (like UPI, Aadhaar) for adoption by Global South nations, reinforcing its soft power and leadership in digital governance.
4. Bilateral Engagements
- PM Modi utilized the sidelines of the summit for key bilateral meetings, strengthening India’s regional and multilateral ties
SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA & THE GLOBAL SOUTH
- India reinforced its leadership within BRICS and the Global South by pushing for:
- UN reforms
- Climate justice
- Ethical technology governance
- Anti-terrorism frameworks
- The summit reflected India’s strategic aspirations to be a rule-shaper rather than just a rule-follower in global governance.
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