The BRICS Summit 2025 and Its Declaration: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

The BRICS as an influential intergovernmental organisation marked a significant milestone in the recent summit of 2025, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 6–7 July. Comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with recent additions of Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), BRICS represents a coalition of emerging economies seeking to reshape global governance and amplify the voice of the Global South. The 2025 summit, hosted by Brazil, underscored the bloc’s growing geopolitical and economic clout, addressing pressing global issues such as terrorism, global trade, climate change, and the reform of international institutions like the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. The summit’s declaration, shaped significantly by the forceful deliberations of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condemned terrorism unequivocally, called for reforms in global financial and governance structures, and promoted the use of local currencies in trade—a move that sparked frustration from the US President. This essay provides a detailed examination of the BRICS summit, its historical context, membership expansion, procedural framework, key highlights of the declaration, and its implications for global order, concluding with an assessment of whether BRICS is a "friendly bloc" in the context of international relations.

Short History of BRICS Formation

The term BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) was first coined in 2001 by Jim O'Neill, a British economist then working at Goldman Sachs. He used this acronym to highlight these four emerging economies, forecasting their substantial influence on global GDP growth. The term was initially an economic projection, highlighting the potential of these nations to reshape the global economy due to their large populations, rapid economic growth, and increasing geopolitical influence. In 2006, the leaders of these four nations formalised the coalition as an informal diplomatic club, holding their first summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. The primary objective was to coordinate economic and diplomatic policies to counterbalance Western dominance in global institutions like the IMF and World Bank, which were perceived as unresponsive to the needs of developing nations.

In 2010, South Africa joined the group, transforming BRIC into BRICS, following an invitation from China and acceptance by the original members. The inclusion of South Africa, formalised at the 2011 summit in Sanya, China, added an African perspective, reinforcing the bloc’s ambition to represent the Global South. Over the years, BRICS has evolved from an economic concept into a geopolitical platform, advocating for a multipolar world order, increased representation in global governance, and economic cooperation among its members. The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014 and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) in 2015 marked significant steps towards creating alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions.

Extended Members

The BRICS bloc expanded significantly in 2024, welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE as full members at the Kazan summit, followed by Indonesia’s accession in January 2025, making it the first Southeast Asian member. This expansion increased the bloc’s membership to ten countries, enhancing its global representation and influence. The inclusion of these nations was strategic: Egypt and the UAE bring significant economic and geopolitical weight in the Middle East and North Africa, Iran strengthens the bloc’s energy profile, Ethiopia adds an East African dimension, and Indonesia contributes demographic and economic heft as a major Southeast Asian economy.

Saudi Arabia was invited to join but has not yet formally accepted, while over 30 other nations, including Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, and Türkiye, have expressed interest or been designated as “partner countries” with potential for future membership. The expansion reflects BRICS’ ambition to represent a broader swathe of the Global South, with the bloc now accounting for approximately 37% of global GDP and over 40% of the world’s population. However, this growth introduces challenges, as diverse political systems, economic models, and national interests could complicate consensus-based decision-making.

 

The Present Host

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, holding the rotating BRICS presidency in 2025, and hosted the 17th annual summit. Under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil aimed to steer the bloc towards a less confrontational stance compared to Russia’s presidency in 2024, focusing on global governance reforms, climate action, and cooperation among the Global South. The choice of Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant global city, underscored Brazil’s commitment to showcasing the bloc’s relevance. Notably, the summit saw the absence of two key leaders—China’s President Xi Jinping. Sources indicate that China is facing significant internal challenges in replacing the present leadership. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin,  however participated via video conference due to an international arrest warrant related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Brazil’s presidency also aligned with its hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November 2025, reinforcing its focus on climate and sustainable development.

Procedures

BRICS operates as an informal organisation without a formal charter, secretariat, or common funds, relying on consensus-based decision-making. The bloc’s annual summits rotate among member states, with the host country setting priorities and chairing proceedings. Each summit typically involves ministerial meetings, Sherpa discussions, and working groups to prepare agendas, culminating in a leaders’ summit where a joint declaration is issued. The 2025 summit followed this structure, with preparatory meetings held at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro in April 2025, addressing finance, artificial intelligence, and green transition.

The declaration is drafted through extensive consultations, with input from all members to ensure consensus. The process is collaborative but often contentious due to differing national priorities. For instance, India’s emphasis on terrorism, Brazil’s focus on climate action, and China’s push for financial reforms required careful negotiation to produce a unified statement. The summit also includes bilateral meetings, such as those between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders, to address specific regional and global issues.

Highlights of the Declaration

The 2025 BRICS summit, released declarations on 6 July, is a comprehensive document addressing global challenges, from terrorism to economic cooperation. Key highlights include:

1.    Condemnation of Terrorism: The declaration strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, with a particular focus on the 22 April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, India-administered Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives. It called for unified global action against terrorism, rejecting selective or politically motivated responses. The declaration specifically addressed cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing, and the need for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, an Indian initiative at the UN.

2.    Global Governance Reform: The declaration reiterated BRICS’ commitment to reforming global institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank, to reflect a multipolar world order. It called for increased representation of developing nations, with specific support for African countries and emerging economies.

3.    Local Currency Trade and Financial Innovation: The declaration endorsed the use of local currencies for intra-BRICS trade, building on initiatives like BRICS Pay and BRICS Bridge, successors to earlier payment systems aimed at reducing reliance on the US dollar. It also supported the NDB’s role in financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in local currencies.

4.    Climate Action and Sustainable Development: With Brazil’s presidency aligning with COP30, the declaration emphasised commitment to the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It called for developed nations to meet their climate finance obligations and highlighted the NDB’s focus on green projects under President Dilma Rousseff.

5.    Middle East and Global Conflicts: The declaration expressed “grave concern” over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Israeli military actions and supporting a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. It also condemned attacks on Iran and called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Ukraine was mentioned indirectly, reflecting the bloc’s divisions on the issue.

Condemnation of Terrorist-Sponsored States and Their Mentors

The declaration’s strong stance on terrorism was a significant achievement, particularly for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forceful advocacy ensured that the document explicitly condemned states that sponsor or abet terrorism, directly or indirectly. The reference to the Pahalgam attack and the call for action against those “funding, promoting, and providing safe havens to terrorists” was seen as a pointed critique of countries perceived to support terrorism, notably Pakistan, though not named explicitly. The declaration’s emphasis on a “principle-based” approach to counterterrorism, rather than one driven by political convenience or selective approach, was a diplomatic victory for India, reinforcing the need for global solidarity against terrorism without selective application. This stance was interpreted as a “slap” to states directly or indirectly supporting terrorism, eg, China, Turkey, and, selectively, the USA, highlighting BRICS’ resolve to address this global threat.

Weaknesses of the UN and Resolve to Strengthen It

The declaration underscored the perceived weaknesses of the UN, particularly its Security Council, which BRICS views as outdated and unrepresentative of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape. The permanent membership structure, dominated by five nations (the US, UK, France, Russia, and China), and the veto power they wield were highlighted as barriers to effective global governance. The declaration called for a comprehensive reform to enhance the UN’s “democracy, representativeness, and effectiveness,” advocating for the inclusion of emerging economies like India, Brazil, and South Africa as permanent members.

Ways to Strengthen the UN:

1.    Expanding the Security Council: BRICS proposed increasing the number of permanent and non-permanent seats, with a focus on African and Global South representation.

2.    Amending Voting Patterns and Veto Power: The declaration suggested revisiting the veto mechanism to reduce its overuse, which often paralyses decision-making. While Russia and China, as veto-wielding members, resist changes to their own status, they support broader reforms to enhance the council’s inclusivity.

3.    Strengthening Multilateralism: The declaration reaffirmed BRICS’ commitment to multilateralism, positioning the UN as the central platform for global cooperation but urging reforms to make it more responsive to contemporary challenges.

Resolve for Amending Voting Patterns of the World Bank

The declaration addressed the need to reform the voting patterns of the World Bank to prevent funding to states associated with terrorism. BRICS argued that the current structure, dominated by Western nations, does not adequately reflect the economic contributions of emerging economies. The bloc proposed increasing the voting shares of developing nations to ensure fairer allocation of resources and to prevent funds from being misused by states that support or fail to curb terrorism. This resolve aligns with BRICS’ broader push for a reformed international financial architecture that prioritises the Global South’s interests and ensures accountability in funding decisions.

Forceful Deliberation of Indian PM in Preparing Declarations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a pivotal role in shaping the 2025 declaration, particularly on the issue of terrorism. His speech at the summit’s peace and security session described terrorism as the “most serious threat to the world” and condemned the Pahalgam attack as an “onslaught on humanity.” Modi’s insistence on a unified, principle-based approach to counterterrorism, free from political expediency, ensured that the declaration included strong language against terrorist financing and cross-border terrorism. His diplomatic efforts also secured support for India’s long-standing proposal for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN. Additionally, Modi’s advocacy for a multipolar world order and reforms in global institutions resonated with other BRICS members, reinforcing India’s leadership within the bloc.

Future Goals

The 2025 declaration outlined ambitious goals for BRICS’ future:

1.    Economic Cooperation: Strengthening intra-BRICS trade through local currency transactions and expanding the NDB’s role in financing infrastructure and sustainable development.

2.    Global Governance Reform: Continuing to push for reforms in the UN, IMF, and World Bank to enhance the representation of developing nations.

3.    Climate and Sustainability: Aligning with global climate goals, particularly through the NDB’s focus on green financing and Brazil’s leadership at COP30.

4.    Counterterrorism: Advocating for a global framework to combat terrorism, including the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

5.    Technological Innovation: Promoting cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital economy, and science and technology to foster inclusive growth.

Use of Local Currency in Trade and US President’s Frustration

The declaration’s endorsement of local currency trade, facilitated by systems like BRICS Pay and BRICS Bridge, aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar, a move that has raised concerns in Washington. These initiatives build on earlier efforts to create alternatives to the SWIFT system, driven by concerns over Western sanctions and dollar dominance not palatable for the US. The push for de-dollarization, while not immediate, signals BRICS’ intent to create a more autonomous financial system. US President Donald Trump expressed frustration, describing BRICS as “dead” and threatening 10% tariffs on countries aligning with its “anti-American policies.” The declaration’s criticism of rising tariffs, without naming Trump, was a veiled rebuke of US trade policies, highlighting tensions between the US and the Brics.

Conclusion: Is BRICS a Friendly Bloc?

BRICS, no more a friendly bloc that provides the Global South a platform for amplifying their voices, challenging Western dominance, and fostering South-South cooperation. Its focus on reforming global institutions, promoting local currency trade, and addressing issues like terrorism and climate change aligns with the aspirations of developing nations. However, for Western powers, particularly the US, BRICS’ expansion and de-dollarization efforts are perceived as a challenge to the established order, as evidenced by Trump’s tariff threats.

BRICS is not inherently anti-Western but seeks a multipolar world where power is more equitably distributed. Its informal structure and diverse membership allow flexibility but also pose challenges to cohesion, as seen in divisions over issues like Ukraine. The 2025 summit demonstrated BRICS’s ability to balance competing interests, with India’s leadership on terrorism and Brazil’s on climate action showcasing its multifaceted agenda. While not a monolithic bloc, BRICS’ growing influence—representing 37% of global GDP and over 40% of the world’s population—makes it a significant player in global affairs.

In conclusion, BRICS is a “friendly bloc” for those seeking a more inclusive global order but a potential adversary for those invested in maintaining the status quo. Its future success will depend on navigating internal divisions and translating its ambitious declarations into actionable outcomes. As the bloc prepares for India’s presidency in 2026, its role as a counterweight to Western dominance and a champion of the Global South will likely intensify, reshaping the contours of international relations in the 21st century.

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