Eleven Brics nations are convening for a summit in Delhi, with representation from India, China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, the UAE, Iran, and Saudi Arabia as an invited member. The gathering occurs amid significant global economic uncertainty driven by policies from the Trump administration, including trade tariffs affecting both adversaries and allies, as well as military developments in Iran.
Despite the US having no Brics membership, Trump’s approach to international relations will substantially influence the summit’s discussions and outcomes. Experts anticipate that any joint statements will likely avoid direct criticism of Washington, as member nations hold divergent interests regarding engagement with the United States. India, which is pursuing a trade agreement with the US, is unlikely to support language that could strain those negotiations. China may similarly avoid positioning Brics as a counterweight to American influence, while the UAE, home to US military installations and recently targeted in Iranian attacks, faces competing pressures that complicate consensus-building.
The expanded Brics membership has increased the group’s economic significance—now representing 49% of global population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of international trade—but has simultaneously made agreement more difficult. Members lack alignment on several critical issues, including responses to regional conflicts, approaches to currency matters, and strategies for managing US sanctions. Previous failed attempts at joint statements, including at a May gathering of foreign ministers, illustrate these challenges.
The group will likely emphasize concrete achievements such as its New Development Bank, which has funded billions in infrastructure projects, and a contingency reserve arrangement designed to support members facing financial crises. Discussions may focus on facilitating cross-border payments in local currencies, a priority for sanctioned nations like Russia and Iran. Leaders are expected to advance Brics’ positioning as a voice for developing nations advocating for institutional reforms at the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank.
India’s hosting responsibilities include securing a consensus statement, viewed as an indicator of diplomatic success. Delhi will draw on experience from its 2023 G20 presidency, when it achieved a joint declaration despite deep divisions. The test will be whether member nations can unite around substantive announcements while carefully calibrating any language regarding the United States to maintain diplomatic cohesion.
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