South Winds of Change

The 17th BRICS Summit, convened in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025, represented a pivotal moment in the evolution of this influential bloc of emerging economies. The summit brought together leaders from the five founding members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — as well as the newly admitted members: Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. The theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” reflected the bloc’s growing ambition to not only assert itself on the global stage but also reform international governance structures that have long been dominated by Western powers.

One of the most significant developments at this summit was the formal expansion of BRICS to 11 countries. Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, was officially welcomed as a full member, signalling a shift in the bloc’s strategic orientation toward the Asia-Pacific region. The addition of other emerging economies, including Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, underscores BRICS’s ambition to be truly representative of the Global South. Analysts note that this expansion enhances the bloc’s geopolitical weight and strengthens its position as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions.

This growth in membership also increases BRICS’s economic clout. Collectively, the expanded BRICS countries account for a significant portion of global GDP, population, and trade flows, providing them with leverage in negotiations over trade, finance, and development policies. For countries like India and Brazil, the expansion provides additional opportunities to promote regional integration and coordinate policies on infrastructure, trade, and technological cooperation.

The summit produced the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, encompassing 126 commitments covering finance, trade, health, artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, peace, security, and cultural cooperation. Central to these commitments was the goal of reforming global governance institutions to better reflect the changing dynamics of the global economy.

BRICS leaders emphasised that the current architecture of international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), does not adequately represent emerging and developing economies. The summit called for structural reforms to ensure equitable participation and influence, particularly in areas such as decision-making power, funding, and policy priorities. Such reforms are seen as crucial for achieving a truly inclusive international system that serves the interests of all nations, not just a select few.

A notable highlight of the summit was the adoption of a declaration on global AI governance. Leaders underscored the transformative potential of AI while stressing the importance of inclusive, ethical, and sustainable development. The declaration called on the United Nations to take the lead in establishing international principles for AI deployment, ensuring that advanced technologies benefit all nations without exacerbating global inequalities.

This initiative also reflects a broader strategic interest among BRICS countries to jointly develop technology standards and norms. By coordinating on AI governance, the bloc aims to position itself as a credible alternative voice in global tech regulation, reducing the influence of the West and ensuring that emerging economies are not left behind in the AI revolution.

Economic cooperation remained a central theme of the 17th BRICS Summit. Leaders discussed measures to enhance trade, investment, and development finance within the bloc. The New Development Bank (NDB) pledged additional funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in member countries, emphasising energy efficiency, green technology, and digital connectivity.

BRICS also sought to address global financial challenges, including debt sustainability in emerging markets and access to affordable capital. By coordinating policy responses and pooling resources, the bloc aims to strengthen resilience against external shocks and reduce dependency on Western-dominated financial systems.

Sustainability was another pillar of the summit’s agenda. BRICS countries reiterated their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pledged to accelerate climate action. The declaration emphasised renewable energy investments, carbon neutrality targets, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Developed nations were urged to fulfil financial commitments to support developing countries in transitioning toward sustainable economies.

By linking economic growth with sustainability, BRICS aims to demonstrate that development can be inclusive, equitable, and environmentally responsible. This approach also strengthens the bloc’s diplomatic positioning, allowing it to advocate for climate justice on the international stage.

As the BRICS chairmanship transitions to India in 2026, the outcomes of the 17th Summit set a clear agenda for future cooperation. India is expected to prioritise digital infrastructure, technological innovation, and deeper economic integration. Furthermore, the expanded membership provides an opportunity for BRICS to present a unified voice on global economic, technological, and security issues.

The 17th BRICS Summit illustrates the bloc’s ambition to shape the 21st-century global order. Through expanded membership, strategic commitments on AI, climate, and finance, and a focus on inclusive governance, BRICS is positioning itself as a formidable actor in international relations. The summit reinforces the bloc’s vision of a multipolar world where emerging economies have an equitable stake in global decision-making.

In conclusion, the Rio de Janeiro summit demonstrated that BRICS is more than a forum for economic dialogue. It is evolving into a strategic alliance capable of influencing global policies, fostering sustainable development, and promoting a more balanced international system. The decisions made at this summit will have long-term implications for global governance, development finance, and technological cooperation, signaling that the Global South is increasingly asserting its voice on the world stage.