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BRICS Summit 2025 , held against the backdrop of economic uncertainty, geopolitical rivalry, and calls for institutional reform, marked a pivotal moment for the group. At the center of it all was India, a nation increasingly seen as a bridge between East and West — a democratic powerhouse with growing economic and diplomatic clout.
Introduction: What is BRICS & BRICS Summit
BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Headquartered in Shanghai (China) a group of major emerging economies that came together to promote economic cooperation, multipolar global governance, and reform of Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank. The bloc now represents approximately 49.5% of the world’s population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade. And in 2014 BRICS establishes New Development Bank Headquartered in Shanghai (China)
The term “BRIC” was first coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, predicting that these countries would become dominant economic powers in the 21st century.
In 2009, the first official BRIC summit was held in Russia, formalizing the group’s existence as a political and economic bloc.
South Africa joined in 2010, turning BRIC into BRICS.
Initially seen as a symbolic coalition of fast-growing economies, BRICS gradually transformed into a geopolitical force that challenged Western dominance in global decision-making.
BRICS Summit 2025 (Expansion in 2024–2025)
In the 15th BRICS Summit (Johannesburg, 2023), all the leaders agreed on expansion policy for the betterment. In 2024, BRICS welcomed the following countries:
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
What was BRICS Summit 2025 all about?
The BRICS summit 2025, hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, focusing on strengthening cooperation among Global South countries, aimed to chart a new direction for the bloc amid mounting global challenges.
11 new BRICS partner countries welcomed – Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, Uzbekistan.
Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.
BRICS summit 2025 was focus on several important topics
- Global Health: The countries will work together to make sure everyone has fair access to medicines and vaccines, and to better handle health problems around the world.
- Trade and Economy: A major goal is to create a common BRICS currency and reduce dependence on the US dollar. This would help member countries become more financially independent.
- Climate Change: The summit will push for a shared plan called the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda to promote sustainable practices and tackle climate-related issues together.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Leaders will talk about creating fair and inclusive rules for using AI, so all countries benefit from this technology.
- Peace and Security: The group aims to improve the global peace system by pushing for reforms that support stability and cooperation.
- BRICS Internal Development: The summit also plans to strengthen how BRICS operates as a group, especially now that it has more members, to ensure better coordination and decision-making.
India’s Role in BRICS Summit 2025
India`s Role into BRICS Summit 2025, was to face a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it enjoys strategic partnerships with the United States, Japan, and Europe through the QUAD and G20. On the other, it remains a founding member of BRICS and has advocated for a multipolar world where the voices of developing nations are heard.
Key Indian objectives ahead of the summit included:
- Promoting rupee-based trade within BRICS summit 2025
- Opposing the weaponization of economic sanctions
- Enhancing digital public infrastructure sharing
- Curbing Chinese dominance in institutional decision-making
India’s foreign policy is defined by strategic autonomy which allowed it to speak with clarity, emphasizing collaboration without domination.
- Voice for Developing Countries
Prime Minister Modi strongly spoke about the need to reform big global organizations like the UN, IMF, and World Bank so they treat all countries fairly, especially those from the Global South (developing nations). - Focus on Peace and Security
India asked all BRICS nations to stand together against terrorism and promote peace in the world. PM Modi also condemned recent terrorist attacks and called for unity in fighting such threats. - Support for BRICS Currency & Trade in Local Money
India supported using local currencies for trade instead of always relying on the US dollar. This helps BRICS countries become more financially independent. - Encouraging Responsible AI Use
India shared ideas on how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) wisely and safely. It also proposed creating a shared database for science and innovation and stressed the need for strong supply chains in critical areas like minerals and tech. - Promoting Climate Justice
PM Modi called climate action a “moral responsibility” and encouraged eco-friendly development. India supported the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda to fight climate change together. - Smart Diplomacy and Partnerships
India had friendly meetings with other countries like Brazil and China to discuss digital payments (like UPI), climate efforts, trade, and future cooperation. These talks also helped prepare India for hosting the next BRICS summit in 2026.
How BRICS Summit 2025 & BRICS+ are reshaping the world order
BRICS+ means the expanded version of BRICS, with more countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and others joining.
This group is becoming stronger not only in trade, energy, technology, but also in global decision-making.
How it changes the world:
It reduces Western (mainly U.S. and European) control over global affairs.
It gives developing countries more say in global issues.
It creates an alternative to Western-led groups like the G7 or NATO.
It promotes trade in local currencies instead of depending on the U.S. dollar.
In short: BRICS+ gives the Global South a louder voice in shaping the future.
Why the US is Against BRICS
The U.S. is not officially against BRICS, but form the back door it is clearly sees it as a challenge because Dollar dominance is at risk: BRICS wants to trade without using the dollar, which weakens U.S. economic power. And in the Global influence BRICS is trying to build its own world order, which could reduce U.S. political influence over time. Watching closely we can clearly make out that Allies of the USA are more keen towards joining BRICS, Some U.S. allies or trade partners are showing interest in BRICS+, which worries Washington.
In short: The U.S. sees BRICS as a competitor that’s changing the rules of the global game.
India vs China in BRICS summit 2025: Rivalry or Strategic Realignment?
India and China have both common goals and yet so far serious differences. Such Common Goals we witness those are challenge to the Western dominance, promote development, and support the Global South. Both the countries are mountainously Rivalry at some point or other as they compete for leadership within BRICS and have border tensions. China often supports Pakistan, which India doesn’t like. And coming to the Realignment part, Despite their issues, both cooperate in BRICS to uplift the global influence and work on shared interests like climate change and trade reforms.
In short: It’s a mix of competition and cooperation — more like “friendly rivals” with shared goals.
Strategic Gain for India from BRICS summit 2025
India gained several key advantages staring from the very first Global Leadership Role, India positioned itself as a voice of the Global South and called for reforms in global systems. Financial Advantage India supported alternatives to the dollar and strengthened its role in BRICS financial systems. AI and Innovation: India promoted ethical use of AI and became a tech leader among developing nations. Diplomatic Wins: India built stronger ties with countries like Brazil, Iran, and South Africa—expanding its influence ahead of BRICS 2026 (which India will host).
In short: India improved its global image, boosted economic strategy, and gained momentum for 2026.
What This Means for India’s Foreign Policy in BRICS Summit 2025
India’s BRICS involvement shows a clear shift in its foreign policy by presenting a Balanced Diplomacy approach to maintain good relations with both the West (like the U.S.) and the Global South. Managing a Multi-alignment Strategy is something Instead of picking one side, India wants to work with all major powers to benefit its people and economy. Focus on a Stronger Global Role India is moving from being just a participant to becoming a shaper of global rules especially when it comes to finance, tech, and climate.
In short: India’s foreign policy is now about smart balancing, stronger leadership, and serving national interest through global cooperation.
Conclusion
BRICS summit 2025 proved that India doesn’t need to dominate to lead. Its success lies in offering practical solutions, maintaining diplomatic poise, and amplifying the concerns of developing nations.
As BRICS moves toward expansion, de-dollarization, and structural reform, India has the opportunity to shape the bloc’s moral and strategic compass — not by force, but through vision and credibility.
The world is watching. And India, it seems, is ready to lead — the BRICS way.
FAQs
Q1. What happened at the BRICS 2025 summit?
The summit focused on expansion, reducing dollar dependence, tech collaboration, and empowering the Global South. Nine countries now make up BRICS.
Q2. What role did India play in BRICS 2025?
India was central in shaping digital, trade, and institutional reform agendas, and promoted inclusive multipolar leadership.
Q3. Did BRICS 2025 agree on a new currency?
A framework for local currency trade was introduced, but no common BRICS currency was finalized.
Q4. How did India and China interact during BRICS?
They cooperated on reforms but clashed subtly on leadership dynamics, digital currency, and bloc expansion terms.
Q5. What’s next for India in BRICS?
India is expected to host or co-lead future initiatives and play a stronger role in BRICS+ diplomacy, especially in Africa and Latin America.
“New Delhi’s diplomacy is the new compass of the Global South.”
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|The GeoLens – Indian Defense & Global Affairs
Pratik Kondawale
Strategist | Indian Defence & Global Affairs
Founder of GeoLens.in, Pratik writes in-depth analysis on India’s defence strategy, military tech, and global power shifts delivering sharp insights through an Indian lens.
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