PM Modi Attends 17th BRICS Leaders Summit in Brazil, Focuses on Global Governance and South-South Cooperation
Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm reception from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday as he arrived at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit. This marks a crucial leg of his five-nation tour and his fourth official visit to Brazil.
This year’s BRICS Summit — held under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance” — comes at a pivotal moment as India prepares to assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026.
Key Global Issues on the Table
During the two-day summit, PM Modi will participate in high-level discussions with leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, focusing on:
- Reform of global governance institutions
- Peace and security in a multipolar world
- Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence
- Strengthening multilateralism
- Climate action and COP30 commitments
- Global health and pandemic preparedness
- Economic and financial cooperation among emerging economies
“India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order,” PM Modi stated ahead of the Summit.
Strategic Bilaterals on the Sidelines
PM Modi is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit with several world leaders, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
This visit sets the stage for PM Modi’s upcoming State Visit to Brasília, which will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades. The visit aims to strengthen India-Brazil ties and further shared priorities for the Global South.
India's BRICS Vision: Leadership with Purpose
India’s renewed commitment to BRICS aligns with its larger foreign policy vision of amplifying the voice of the Global South and reinforcing solidarity among developing nations. PM Modi's presence at the Summit also underscores India’s proactive engagement with multilateral institutions during a time of global instability.
Notably, during the last BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the grouping amid rising climate risks, geopolitical tensions, and cyber threats.
What’s on the BRICS 2025 Agenda?
Sunday, July 6 – Rio de Janeiro:
- Reform of Global Governance Institutions (BRICS full members only)
- Peace and Security
- Strengthening Multilateralism
- Economic & Financial Affairs
- Artificial Intelligence
- Official reception hosted by President Lula
Monday, July 7 – Rio de Janeiro: 7. Climate Action & COP30 Commitments 8. Global Health & Pandemic Readiness
Significance for India and the World
As India prepares to take over the BRICS Chairship in 2026, the Summit in Rio becomes more than symbolic. It is an opportunity for New Delhi to shape a forward-looking, inclusive BRICS agenda, particularly on:
- Digital equity and AI ethics
- Renewable energy transitions
- Inclusive global financial systems
- Empowering developing economies with equitable representation in UN institutions
Background & Strategic Context
- BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) represents over 40% of the world’s population and nearly a third of global GDP.
- India last chaired BRICS in 2021, marking the 15th anniversary of the group.
- The 2025 Summit carries weight as multipolarity reshapes the global order, especially with increased demands from the Global South for equity, inclusivity, and climate justice.