PM Modi at the BRICS Summit 2025 in Brazil: India’s Role in Shaping a New Global Order
Introduction
In a pivotal moment for global diplomacy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, being held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6–7, 2025. This visit is part of his broader five-nation tour including Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. With the world grappling with shifting power equations, economic uncertainty, and threats to multilateralism, Modi’s presence at BRICS underlines India’s commitment to a multipolar world and the role of th...
This blog explores the significance of PM Modi’s visit, India’s BRICS agenda, the outcomes we can expect, and how this ties into India’s broader geopolitical strategy.
What is BRICS and Why Does It Matter?
BRICS is a multilateral grouping of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Initially coined as an investment term in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill, it evolved into a political and economic bloc. Together, BRICS countries:
- Represent over 40% of the world’s population
- Account for 25% of global GDP
- Control about 17% of world trade
BRICS has become a symbol of the Global South, offering a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions like the G7, IMF, and World Bank. Over the years, BRICS has focused on:
- Reforming global financial institutions
- Promoting sustainable development
- Enhancing South-South cooperation
- Launching institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB)
PM Modi’s Broader Five-Nation Tour
PM Modi’s Brazil visit is the fourth leg of his significant five-nation diplomatic journey. His tour has already included stops in:
- Ghana – to deepen India-Africa strategic ties.
- Trinidad & Tobago – for diaspora diplomacy and trade.
- Argentina – focusing on lithium, agriculture, and space.
- Brazil – for the BRICS summit and bilateral relations.
- Namibia – to enhance cooperation on energy and defence.
This itinerary showcases India’s commitment to engaging the Global South, promoting energy security, and leading on climate, technology, and security issues.
India’s Core Agenda at the BRICS 2025 Summit
PM Modi’s participation at BRICS 2025 is not merely ceremonial — it reflects India’s strong and assertive diplomacy. According to MEA briefings and official statements, India has several key agendas:
1. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir that killed Indian soldiers recently, PM Modi is expected to push for a unified anti-terror resolution. India wants BRICS to:
- Condemn terrorism in all forms.
- Strengthen intelligence sharing.
- Push for international conventions on terrorism.
2. Global South Leadership
India has repeatedly positioned itself as the voice of the Global South. PM Modi is expected to call for:
- Equitable representation in global bodies like the UN Security Council.
- Reforms in the World Bank and IMF.
- A fair global trade regime.
3. Responsible Artificial Intelligence
With AI emerging as a disruptive force, Modi will highlight the importance of:
- Ethical AI development.
- Cross-border regulations.
- BRICS AI Research Networks.
4. Climate Change and Sustainability
India, under its LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, will propose:
- Joint investments in renewable energy.
- Cooperation on climate finance.
- Technology transfer mechanisms.
5. Health and Pandemic Preparedness
Post-COVID, India wants BRICS to:
- Strengthen BRICS Vaccine Research Centre.
- Ensure equitable access to medical supplies.
- Build regional health security architecture.
Also read https://www.thebriefdesk.com/2025/07/indias-renewable-energy-revolution.html
India-Brazil Bilateral Relations: A Strategic Focus
Besides attending the summit, PM Modi is holding bilateral meetings with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The focus areas include:
1. Trade and Investment
- India-Brazil trade crossed $15 billion in 2024–25.
- Discussions on reducing tariff barriers.
- Talks on India accessing South American markets via Mercosur.
2. Energy and Biofuels
- Brazil is a global leader in biofuels.
- India is interested in importing ethanol and learning from Brazil’s flex-fuel vehicle ecosystem.
3. Space and Technology
- Collaboration between ISRO and Brazilian space agencies.
- Launch of joint Earth observation satellites.
4. Agriculture and Food Security
- Cooperation on soybeans, cattle genetics, and agri-tech.
- Joint R&D in agri-resilience amid climate change.
5. Cultural and Diaspora Ties
- Celebrations of 75 years of India–Brazil diplomatic ties.
- Indian diaspora events in São Paulo and Rio.
Expected Outcomes of BRICS 2025
While the final declaration will be issued on July 7, the following tentative outcomes are being reported:
- Support for a multipolar world order.
- Agreement on expanding the BRICS Payment System, reducing dependency on the dollar.
- Joint statement on AI ethics and cyber governance.
- India-led proposal for BRICS counter-terror intelligence network.
- Green energy collaboration fund of $5 billion under the New Development Bank.
Strategic Significance for India
1. Balancing China
While India and China remain part of BRICS, tensions persist. India uses BRICS to assert its strategic autonomy and prevent Chinese dominance in global South leadership.
2. South-South Solidarity
India is emerging as a trusted development partner for African, Latin American, and Caribbean nations — countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
3. Boosting Economic Diplomacy
Through BRICS, India can access alternative funding, build technology partnerships, and secure critical mineral deals (especially with Brazil and Argentina).
4. Soft Power and Global Image
PM Modi’s active diplomacy and leadership at global forums project India as a peaceful, responsible, and tech-driven power.
Criticisms and Challenges
Not all is smooth sailing. Critics point out:
- Lack of unity in BRICS, especially due to India-China tensions.
- The slow progress on BRICS institutions delivering results.
- Risk of tokenism without real economic change for member nations.
Still, India views BRICS as a useful strategic platform rather than an alliance, and it helps project influence without being part of military pacts.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit 2025 is not just symbolic but a statement of intent — that India is ready to lead and shape a new, inclusive, and fair global order. From counter-terrorism and AI ethics to climate cooperation and economic resilience, India is offering a vision-driven foreign policy that balances national interest with global responsibilities.
Author: The Brief Desk | UPSC Current Affairs
