BRICS Summit Opens In New Delhi Amid Wars, Tariffs And Global Tensions.
The 18th BRICS Summit opened in New Delhi, India, on Saturday as leaders from major emerging economies gathered amid growing geopolitical and economic tensions around the world. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting the two-day summit, which brings together leaders and senior officials from the expanded 11-member bloc.
The meeting comes at a particularly difficult time, with the war in the Middle East, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, tariffs and disruptions to energy and shipping routes creating pressure on the global economy. BRICS members are also divided over several international conflicts, making it challenging for the group to reach common positions on major geopolitical issues.
Leaders at the summit adopted a joint declaration calling for maximum restraint in the Middle East and warning against attacks on civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities. The declaration also expressed firm opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for an end to Israeli violence in Gaza, while supporting UNRWA and full United Nations membership for Palestine.
The bloc also placed strong emphasis on the global economy and trade. BRICS leaders called for cooperation to maintain the smooth movement of trade, energy and supply chains. Discussions include expanding cross-border payment systems, cooperation in artificial intelligence and technology, and opposition to unilateral sanctions and tariffs.
The summit has also provided an important opportunity for India and China to improve relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting India for the first time in seven years, while New Delhi and Beijing continue to manage tensions linked to their disputed border and wider strategic rivalry. Xi and Modi are expected to use the summit to strengthen dialogue between the two countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the other major leaders attending. South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia are also represented at the summit, while Brazil has sent its foreign minister in place of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with the heads of the WHO and WTO, is also attending.
BRICS was established in 2006 as a grouping of major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers. Following several rounds of expansion, the bloc now represents 11 countries and has become an increasingly important platform for discussions about global trade, finance, energy and international politics.
However, divisions among members remain a major challenge. Iran and the UAE have opposing positions in the Middle East conflict, while tensions also exist between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Differences between India and China further complicate the bloc's efforts to present a united position on global affairs.
The New Delhi summit therefore comes at a critical moment for BRICS as it attempts to increase its influence in a rapidly changing international order. Leaders are seeking greater economic cooperation while trying to find common ground on conflicts that directly affect global security, energy supplies, shipping and trade.
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