BRICS and its 17th Summit

BRICS and its 17th Summit: Strengthening Global South Cooperation

What is BRICS?

BRICS is an intergovernmental forum of emerging economies, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Coined as “BRIC” in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill, South Africa joined in 2010 to form BRICS. It represents about 25% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population, acting as a counterweight to Western-led forums like the G7.

The grouping promotes multipolarity, South-South cooperation, and reform of international institutions such as the UNSC, IMF, and World Bank. In 2024-25, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia, evolving as BRICS+.

Highlights of the 17th BRICS Summit

The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 5 to 7, 2025, under the theme *‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’*. Key outcomes included:

* India’s Candidacy for COP33 2028: Leaders welcomed India’s proposal to host COP33, reaffirming climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
* Rio de Janeiro Declaration: Called for urgent reforms in global governance structures like the UNSC and IMF to reflect 21st-century realities.
* Inclusion of Indonesia: Indonesia joined as a full member, enhancing BRICS’ Asian representation.
* Climate Change and Forests: Emphasised equitable climate action and protection of forests as carbon sinks.
* Technology and AI: Advocated for responsible AI governance and a BRICS Science Repository for the Global South.

The 17th Summit reaffirmed BRICS’ role in promoting multilateralism, sustainable development, and Global South leadership. With India set to chair BRICS in 2026 and aiming to host COP33, BRICS continues to shape a more balanced, inclusive, and equitable global order.