BRICS emerges as a strong geopolitical and geoeconomic entity 

The recent Joint Declaration of BRICS marks a pivotal moment in the group’s evolution from a coalition of emerging economies to a significant geopolitical and geoeconomic force. With the expansion to include five new members and eleven partner countries, BRICS now represents nearly half the world’s population and accounts for 40% of global economic output. This transformation not only signals its growing clout but also underscores its intent to reshape the global order in favour of the Global South. 

Entitled “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” the declaration emphasised BRICS’s commitment to multilateralism, international law, and equitable global governance. It reflects a growing confidence and a clear pushback against Western dominance in global institutions. Once perceived as a non-Western alliance, BRICS is now positioning itself as the voice of emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs), firmly rooted in the priorities of the Global South.  PM Modi has aptly called for redefining the acronym BRICS so as not to indicate the initials of the five core members but to convey a shared functional purpose of “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.” This captures the group’s evolving identity.

A significant aspect of the Joint Declaration was its open criticism of indiscriminate use of tariffs and proliferation of trade-restrictive actions- moves largely attributed to Western economic policies. It also condemned the attack on Iran and called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, but did not follow the Iranian line on Israel. This assertiveness reflects BRICS’s increasing willingness to challenge the status quo, advocating for a fairer and more inclusive trade system. Its call for reform of global financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, long seen as instruments of the West, further illustrates this shift.

The group’s stress on multilateralism and international law was aimed at ensuring increased participation of the Global South in global decision-making processes and structures.  It perceives ‘the Global South as a driver of positive change.’ It called for strengthening efforts to promote dialogue and consultations in pursuit of more just and equitable global governance, and of mutually beneficial relations among nations.

On climate change, the group stressed that developed countries must step up with more grant-based, concessional finance, separate from existing aid, to help developing nations meet their climate goals without sacrificing poverty reduction and development priorities. The declaration covered the need for reforming the international financial architecture and stressed to enhance cooperation on all pillars of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This stance rightly insists that climate responsibilities must not come at the expense of development and poverty alleviation. It is a reminder that climate justice and equity are inseparable.

On terrorism, the Joint Declaration expressed “strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed.” It condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured, while reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens- a notable move for a diverse group with differing views on counterterrorism.    

Prime Minister Modi’s strong remarks, indirectly aimed at Pakistan and China, highlighted the need for action against cross-border terrorism and the obstruction of sanctions against listed terrorists. While BRICS avoided the logjam on countering terrorism, unlike what happened at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), China’s reluctance to support this issue would remain problematic.    

Diplomatically, the summit showcased BRICS’s ability to bridge internal divides and issue a coherent and unified statement, no small feat for a grouping with such varying national interests. Its handling of the Israel-Palestine issue, calling for a two-state solution while not aligning completely with Iran, exemplifies the group’s growing maturity in international diplomacy.    

In sum, the 17th Summit of BRICS indicates its transformation into a strong platform for the Global South. Its expansion has strengthened its legitimacy, and its assertive tone on global economic and political issues reflects a newfound confidence. If it can manage its differences, particularly on terrorism, it is poised to emerge as a credible counterweight to the West-led global governance system. The road ahead will be complex and difficult, but the message from Brazil is unmistakable: BRICS is no longer just watching from the sidelines. It is going to play an important role in managing global affairs.  

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