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BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro 2025

Syllabus Areas:

GS II - International Relations

General Essay

The 2025 BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, witnessed significant participation from the leaders of emerging economies, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit came at a time when global governance institutions are under increasing scrutiny for their lack of representativeness and responsiveness to the Global South. Modi’s address and India's engagements during the summit reflected India’s broader strategic aim: reform of the global order to make it more equitable, representative, and effective.

What is BRICS?

BRICS is an acronym for a group of five major emerging economies:

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Initially formed as "BRIC" in 2006, it became "BRICS" after South Africa joined in 2010.

Present total members of BRICS:

Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt (joined in 2024), Iran (joined in 2024), Ethiopia (joined in 2024), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (joined in 2024), Indonesia (joined in 2025).

Key Objectives

Promote multipolarity and reform of global governance (UN, IMF, WTO).
Strengthen South-South cooperation.
Facilitate trade, investment, development finance, and technology exchange.
Act as a counterweight to Western institutions like G7.

Major Institutions

New Development Bank (NDB) – headquartered in Shanghai; funds infrastructure in BRICS and other developing countries.
Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) – supports members during currency crises.

Prime Minister Modi’s Key Concerns and Message

Underrepresentation of the Global South: PM Modi stressed that two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century (e.g., UNSC, IMF, World Bank).
Call for Reform in Global Governance: He urged reforms in international decision-making bodies, highlighting that without representation, institutions lack credibility and effectiveness.
Double Standards Faced by Developing Countries: Modi criticized the inconsistent application of international norms, often disadvantaged the Global South.
Support for BRICS Expansion: Welcomed Indonesia as a new member, calling it a sign of BRICS’s ability to evolve with changing global realities.

India’s Key Concerns Reflected in the BRICS Declaration

Condemnation of Terrorism:
- The Pahalgam terror attack was condemned in the strongest terms.
- Emphasis on combatting cross-border terrorism.
- Push for early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
Reform of International Institutions:
- Russia and China backed India and Brazil's aspirations to gain greater roles in the UN, especially in the Security Council.
Middle East Crisis & International Law:
- BRICS condemned Israel-U.S. military strikes on Iran as violations of international law.
- Expressed solidarity with Palestine, reaffirmed commitment to the two-state solution and called for the unification of West Bank and Gaza under Palestinian Authority.

India’s Parallel Bilateral Engagements (Modi's 9-day Tour)

Ghana:
- Upgraded ties to Comprehensive Partnership.
- India to assist in building Ghana as a vaccine hub for West Africa.
Trinidad and Tobago:
- Signed MoU on Indian Pharmacopeia to ensure access to quality generics.
- Emphasized historic diaspora linkages, referencing leaders of Indian origin.
Argentina:
- Focused on cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and energy (shale gas, oil).
Overall Theme: Strengthening South-South cooperation, creating alternative development pathways, and promoting India-led institutions like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Diaspora Diplomacy

Modi addressed Indian diaspora communities, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing the contribution of the 35 million-strong Indian diaspora as a pillar of India’s soft power.

Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit and his wider tour of the Global South represent a deliberate strategic shift — from reactive alignment to proactive leadership in global south-solidarity, institutional reform, and developmental diplomacy. His advocacy for a new world order — one that is inclusive, representative, and rooted in the aspirations of developing nations — mirrors India’s larger vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

As global multipolarity deepens and traditional institutions falter under crisis, India's assertive, values-based diplomacy signals a redefinition of leadership — one that balances national interest with global equity and justice.

Prelims Questions:

Consider the following statements regarding the recent BRICS Summit 2025 held in Rio de Janeiro:
1. India emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions citing underrepresentation of the Global South.
2. Indonesia was welcomed as a new member of BRICS.
3. The BRICS Declaration supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

With reference to the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), consider the following statements:
1. It is a proposed treaty under the framework of the United Nations to criminalize all forms of international terrorism.
2. India has consistently advocated for its early finalization at international forums including BRICS.
3. The Convention has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly but not yet ratified by member states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

(Statement 3 is incorrect – CCIT has not yet been adopted by the UNGA due to lack of consensus.)

Consider the following pairs:
Country — India’s Key Cooperation Area during PM Modi’s 2025 Visit
1. Ghana — Vaccine Manufacturing Hub
2. Trinidad & Tobago — Critical Minerals Supply
3. Argentina — Indian Pharmacopeia Agreement