BRICS leaders meet in India as wars and US tensions test the bloc

On Saturday, leaders of the BRICS nations convened in New Delhi for a summit that emphasized trade, investment, and addressing global conflicts, as the bloc aims to gain a more prominent role in global affairs. The meeting, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and representatives from the eight other BRICS members.

The summit's timing is significant, as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, challenge the bloc's capacity to reach consensus among nations with divergent geopolitical interests. To ensure safety and order, thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed throughout New Delhi, traffic restrictions were enforced, and diversions were implemented.

BRICS, established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has since grown to include nine additional members, representing nearly half of the world's population and a substantial share of global economic output. Over the years, the group has increasingly advocated for increased representation for developing countries in international institutions.

The leaders are anticipated to discuss various topics, including economic cooperation, energy, food security, technology, supply chains, global institution reforms, and the reduction of reliance on the U.S. dollar. Promoting the use of their respective currencies in trade and payments, as well as advocating for alternative financial institutions, are also key priorities.

For India, the summit is particularly important, as it underscores the country's efforts to maintain strategic relationships with Russia and Iran while simultaneously strengthening ties with the U.S. and Europe. India has managed to maintain close connections with both Moscow and Tehran despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and Iran's tensions with the U.S., all while advocating for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. On Friday, Modi met with Putin and Pezeshkian separately prior to the summit.

The success of the summit in achieving a unified stance among the diverse BRICS members remains uncertain, given the current geopolitical situation. A potential challenge for India will be securing a consensus statement from all leaders present. In May, BRICS foreign ministers struggled to agree on a joint statement regarding the Iran war, leading India to issue a chair's summary instead.