BRICS leaders are set to convene in Rio de Janeiro, advocating for reforms in Western-dominated institutions and reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism.
Representing around half the global population and 40% of economic output, the bloc has united over “serious concerns” regarding U.S. import tariffs.
A draft summit statement criticizes unilateral trade actions, warning they distort global trade and jeopardize economic development.
Though the United States is not directly named, the declaration implicitly targets Washington’s tariff policies under President Trump.
Since taking office, Trump has imposed a series of tariffs, drawing criticism from both allies and rivals.
China’s President Xi Jinping will not attend the summit for the first time in 12 years, fueling speculation about geopolitical tensions within the bloc.
Xi’s absence is seen by analysts as potentially linked to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s prominence at the summit and recent high-level engagements with Brazil.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, under an international war crimes indictment, will also be absent in person but will participate via video link.
Host President Lula da Silva views the summit as a chance to elevate Brazil’s global influence, having already hosted the G20 and set to hold COP30.
Lula emphasized that emerging economies must champion multilateral trade and push for a reformed global financial system amid rising protectionism.
Iran’s President will skip the meeting, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the bloc’s reluctance to strongly condemn Israel and the U.S. over recent airstrikes.
Key topics at the summit will include artificial intelligence and global health cooperation, alongside pressing geopolitical and trade issues.
The expanded BRICS group now includes Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, reflecting its growing global significance.
