An Emerging Continent, A Rising Coalition
As the turquoise waves kissed the shores of Rio de Janeiro and the statue of Christ the Redeemer looked out over the sprawling city, the 17th BRICS Summit unfolded in the heart of Brazil. The setting was more than symbolic, it was emblematic of the bloc’s mission: to rise from the margins and reshape the global order. Hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, this summit was not merely another multilateral gathering, it was a declaration that the Global South is done waiting.
India arrived at this summit with clarity of vision and a sense of growing responsibility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence was not just about representing a fast-growing economy; it was about stewarding a new narrative, one that demands equity, reform, and shared prosperity in global governance.
A Broader BRICS: Expansion and Evolution
The most striking outcome of the summit was the formal induction of Indonesia as a new member of BRICS. Nigeria, too, was granted “partner” status, setting the stage for full integration in the coming years. The expansion now brings together countries representing more than half the world’s population, strengthening the bloc’s claim to be a legitimate voice for emerging economies.
India had long supported this expansion, recognizing the importance of inclusivity in amplifying the voice of the Global South. Indonesia’s entry particularly suits India’s Indo-Pacific vision, while Nigeria offers a gateway to Africa’s rising potential.
However, growth also brings growing pains. With the number of members increasing, reaching consensus on reform agendas, such as those involving the UN Security Council or the International Monetary Fund, became a labyrinthine exercise. PM Modi, ever the seasoned negotiator, advocated firmly yet diplomatically for reforms that have long been India’s ask: a seat at the global high table.
Climate and Currency: The Two Pillars of Economic Aspiration
The Rio summit wasn’t merely a ceremonial congregation; it had meat on the bone. One of the highlights was the reaffirmation of BRICS’ collective desire to reduce dependency on the US dollar. There was a renewed push to settle intra-bloc trade in national currencies, an idea championed earlier by India in 2023, and gradually finding traction across member economies.
This move is not about economic rebellion, it is about hedging against volatility and asserting sovereignty. For India, this shift aligns perfectly with its ambition to internationalise the rupee and to decouple its economic interests from unpredictable global currency swings.
On climate, the tone was assertive. Brazil’s ambitious “Tropical Forests Forever” fund was given enthusiastic support. Modi lent India’s weight behind climate financing demands, arguing, rightly, that nations responsible for historical emissions must bear the cost of transition. He emphasized the need for affordable climate finance, and bluntly criticised carbon tariffs imposed by developed countries as disguised protectionism.
India’s green tech sector, already thriving through initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, now finds itself with new partners and expanded avenues for funding and innovation.
A Stage for Leadership Amidst Absences
Perhaps one of the more underplayed stories of this summit was the noticeable absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both were represented by senior leaders, Li Qiang and Sergei Lavrov, respectively, but the void was telling.
In the absence of two of the original five, it was PM Modi who found himself naturally elevated to the role of an elder statesman. His speeches, bilateral meetings, and leadership in closed-door sessions underscored India’s capacity to offer steadiness in turbulent geopolitical waters.
This summit, inadvertently, placed India at the nucleus of the BRICS realignment. As China grapples with internal economic concerns and Russia remains ensnared in the Ukraine conflict, it is India’s political stability and economic resilience that have made it the most consistent voice in the forum.
Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Narratives
PM Modi didn’t let the platform pass without reasserting India’s long-standing demand for a global, unified stand against terrorism. With veiled references to Pakistan-based groups, he called on BRICS nations to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against nations sheltering terrorists.
This strong push resonated well with other member states grappling with their own security challenges. Moreover, Modi announced India’s successful bid to host COP33 in 2028, a significant diplomatic win that situates India at the center of global climate negotiations in the coming years.
Strategically, this summit enabled India to reinforce its narrative as a responsible global actor, one that blends development with security, and diplomacy with assertiveness.
Modi’s Balancing Act: Between Washington and the Global South
One cannot view India’s engagement with BRICS in isolation. As a member of the QUAD (with the US, Japan, and Australia) and a participant in the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA) grouping, India performs a delicate diplomatic balancing act. And yet, it does so with conviction.
The Rio summit reaffirmed India’s ability to walk both sides of the strategic divide. While being a critical partner to the West, India continues to articulate the frustrations of the Global South, on vaccines, climate funds, debt, and technology access.
It is this unique positioning that has earned New Delhi respect across capitals, from Washington to Johannesburg.
Tensions in the Air: The Trump Tariff Threat
The rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently leading the 2026 presidential race, cast a shadow over the summit. His threat to impose a flat 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS sent ripples through the economic discussions. While no country named the U.S. in their joint statement, the undertone was unmistakably firm: global trade cannot be held hostage by protectionist tantrums.
For India, the challenge is nuanced. The U.S. remains a vital trade and technology partner, yet aligning more closely with BRICS is in its strategic interest. The tightrope walk will continue, but India has experience in walking it gracefully.
A People’s Mandate: Why This Summit Mattered
For ordinary Indians, the BRICS summit may seem distant from daily concerns, yet its outcomes will ripple through the economy, environment, and global standing. Easier trade with fellow BRICS nations could mean more markets for Indian goods and services. A seat at global climate negotiations offers hope for clean air and sustainable development. And a voice that demands global reform promises dignity to every Indian passport holder.
Moreover, the symbolism matters. India is no longer just an invitee at global tables, it is setting the agenda.
Looking Forward: India as Host, India as Architect
With Brazil having passed the baton, India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026. Expectations are high, and India is unlikely to disappoint. The Rio Summit may have seen the expansion of the BRICS table, but the 2026 Delhi Summit will shape its menu. From financing mechanisms to digital cooperation, and from food security to space tech, India is poised to lead with clarity and ambition.
As the world drifts into multipolarity, India’s ability to anchor the aspirations of emerging economies while remaining an acceptable partner to the West will be its biggest strategic asset.
Conclusion: Rio and Beyond
The 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil was not perfect, there were fissures, absences, and diplomatic tightropes. But it marked a turning point. It redefined the potential of the BRICS grouping, showcased India’s expanding leadership, and reinforced the message that the world’s future cannot be written in closed Western boardrooms alone.
As Rio’s sunsets give way to India’s tricolour rising in 2026, one thing is clear, India is no longer a silent participant in global affairs. It is a principal actor, a bridge between continents, and a beacon for those who dare to demand a fairer world.
