As the BRICS nations gather in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, for their annual summit, all eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For the first time, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend, leaving India and Brazil to steer the 10-member group, which now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Indonesia alongside founding members India, China, Russia, and Brazil.
A Golden Opportunity for India
With Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin absent, PM Modi is set to take the lead. China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang, and Russia by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This shift gives India a chance to shape the future of BRICS, especially as the group expands and navigates a changing global landscape. India will also host and chair the BRICS summit in 2026, making Modi’s role even more crucial.
Dammu Ravi, a senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that PM Modi’s presence shows India’s commitment to BRICS and its focus on strengthening ties with the Global South. “This is a moment for India to lead and unite,” he said, highlighting the opportunity to build stronger partnerships.
Why Is Xi Jinping Missing?
Xi’s absence from the summit, a group co-founded by India, China, Russia, and Brazil in 2009, has sparked curiosity. Beijing cited a “scheduling conflict” for Xi’s absence, with Premier Li Qiang stepping in, as he did at the G20 summit in India in 2023. Some reports suggest Xi’s decision might be linked to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva inviting PM Modi for a special state dinner after the summit, which could highlight India’s growing influence.
BRICS: New Members, New Challenges
The addition of five new members—Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Indonesia—has made BRICS more diverse but also more complex. The group is working to find common ground on issues like healthcare, green energy, and fair trade to avoid disagreements. However, sensitive topics like UN Security Council reform and reducing reliance on the US dollar remain tricky. In the past, Brazil, India, and South Africa pushed for permanent UNSC seats but couldn’t agree on a joint statement. Still, BRICS showed unity in condemning US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.
India’s Push for Counterterrorism
India is expected to push for stronger action against terrorism at the summit, especially after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. India’s recent Operation Sindoor, targeting terror networks in Pakistan and PoK, underscores its resolve. Indian officials are hopeful that the final BRICS declaration will reflect a shared commitment to fighting terrorism. However, China, due to its close ties with Pakistan, may resist including strong anti-terror language.
Focus on Unity and Progress
With key leaders absent and new members in the fold, questions linger about BRICS’ ability to speak as one voice for the Global South. Brazil, as the host, is focusing on areas of agreement, like healthcare and green energy, to keep the group united. India’s push for counterterrorism measures is being discussed behind closed doors to ensure a balanced outcome.
Indian officials also clarified that while BRICS countries are exploring new trade options, the focus is not on abandoning the US dollar but on creating alternatives that benefit all.
PM Modi’s Moment to Lead
As the Rio summit unfolds, PM Modi has a unique chance to bring BRICS together and set the stage for India’s leadership in 2026. With his vision and Brazil’s support, India aims to keep the group’s momentum alive, fostering unity and progress for the Global South.
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