BRICS Leaders Meet In New Delhi Amid Global Tensions
Leaders from the BRICS bloc convened in New Delhi over the weekend for the group’s 18th summit, marking two decades of the coalition’s existence and producing a joint declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation among emerging economies amid what member states describe as rising global instability.
The gathering, which opened Saturday, comes as BRICS has grown from its founding members into an 11-country bloc with 10 additional partner nations. According to figures cited in commentary published by China Daily, the group now represents roughly 40 percent of global gross domestic product when measured by purchasing power parity, along with nearly half of the world’s population, giving it significant weight in discussions on global economic policy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the summit’s opening session, framing the bloc’s history as one built on self-reliance among member nations that have “stood together through thick and thin.” He called for BRICS countries to take a leading role in four areas: innovation-driven development, maintaining peace and stability, encouraging exchange between civilizations, and pushing for reform of global governance institutions. Xi also introduced a proposal to advance what he termed new industrialization through artificial intelligence among member states, saying China intends to expand cooperation on research, development and supply chains with its partners.
Beyond economic and technological initiatives, Xi emphasized cultural and educational ties, urging deeper cooperation in tourism and expanded youth exchange programs between BRICS nations. He also called on member countries to engage with one another candidly, seek common ground despite differences, and respect each other’s core interests. Leaders at the summit reached agreement across several areas including security and development, culminating in the joint declaration adopted Saturday. China is set to take over as the bloc’s rotating chair, with plans to host the 19th summit next year.
The summit takes place against a backdrop of shifting alliances in global trade and diplomacy, as many countries outside traditional Western economic blocs seek greater representation in international decision-making bodies such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has increasingly positioned itself as a counterweight to institutions historically dominated by wealthier nations, appealing to what organizers often refer to as the “Global South.”
Analysts who track multilateral organizations note that BRICS expansion in recent years reflects broader efforts by developing economies to diversify trade partnerships and reduce reliance on any single currency or economic system. The bloc’s growth has coincided with ongoing debates over tariffs, sanctions regimes and supply chain security that have affected global markets, with member nations frequently citing a need for alternative frameworks to manage trade disputes and development financing outside of traditional Western-led institutions.
China’s upcoming turn as rotating chair will place it at the center of shaping the bloc’s agenda heading into what Xi described as BRICS’ “third golden decade.” Officials have not yet detailed a full agenda for next year’s summit, though the emphasis on artificial intelligence cooperation and industrial policy suggested during this year’s gathering may carry into future discussions among member states.
This article draws on details from a press release distributed via PR Newswire.
