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The BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro provided Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a crucial platform to articulate India's foreign policy priorities and its commitment to the Global South. The aftermath of a problematic joint statement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and increasing domestic pressure surrounding India's diplomatic approach set the stage for a strong and assertive message. The BRICS declaration condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, where 26 people were killed, was a significant achievement. The declaration not only reaffirmed the BRICS commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing, and safe havens but also unequivocally stated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. It further demanded accountability and justice for those involved in terrorist activities, rejecting any 'double standards' in countering terrorism. While Pakistan was not explicitly named, the message was undeniably directed towards its role in supporting terrorist activities. Prime Minister Modi reinforced this message in his address, emphasizing that there should be no room for double standards when dealing with terrorism and that condemning terrorism should be a matter of principle, not convenience. This strong stance was interpreted by some media outlets as a subtle critique of the US, particularly in light of the invitation extended to Pakistan's Field Marshal, General Asim Munir, for lunch at the White House soon after Operation Sindoor. Other interpretations pointed to China's role in providing real-time intelligence to Pakistan during the operation and its continued blocking of India's attempts to sanction Pakistan-based terrorists at the United Nations. Beyond the issue of terrorism, the summit allowed India to assert its strategic autonomy and its commitment to championing the cause of the Global South. This was particularly significant given the timing of the summit, which occurred amid fast-changing global dynamics, increasing unilateral actions both geopolitically and geo-economically, growing protectionism, supply-chain shifts, and fragmentation in the global economy. The summit also took place shortly after the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in the US, creating a potential balancing act for India in navigating its relationships with both Western-led blocs and blocs led by Russia and China. Prime Minister Modi's criticism of the 'token gestures' offered to the Global South on climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access further underscored India's commitment to advocating for the interests of developing nations. The BRICS has evolved into an influential grouping since its first meeting in 2009. It now includes 10 member states, encompassing major emerging economies that represent around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of the global GDP, and around 26% of the global trade. The summit, chaired by Brazil this year, focused on strategic priorities such as global cooperation in healthcare, trade, investment, and finance; climate change; governance for artificial intelligence; peace-making and security; and institutional development. However, the fundamental purpose of the BRICS remains its commitment to reforming Western-led global institutions and advocating for a more equitable and representative world order, as highlighted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's call for reform of the UN Security Council.
The BRICS leaders also expressed 'serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,' a clear, albeit indirect, criticism of the US trade policies under the Trump administration. The group cautioned against the proliferation of trade-restrictive actions and protectionism disguised as environmental objectives, emphasizing the potential for these measures to reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities. Furthermore, the BRICS took a firm stance in condemning military strikes on Iran and the war in Gaza, although without explicitly naming any specific country responsible. Prime Minister Modi's assertiveness in advocating for India's interests and the interests of the Global South was well-received. His call for a 'new multipolar and inclusive world order' and his criticism of the outdated structure of global institutions, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements, reinforced India's commitment to the BRICS and its objectives. Despite the lack of discussion on a common BRICS currency or a BRICS cross-border system, the grouping remains a significant economic and energy powerhouse. BRICS nations are collectively net exporters, indicating their strong production capacities and growing influence in global trade. India's reliance on imports from BRICS nations has increased significantly in recent years, highlighting the bloc's importance to India's import needs. While de-dollarisation has not been a central focus of the BRICS, India already conducts bilateral trade with several member countries and other nations in local currency. The push for trade in local currency was further emphasized by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the India-Central Asia Business Dialogue. Modi's clear articulation of the Global South's concerns and his advocacy for a more equitable and multi-polar world are likely to attract even more countries to the BRICS grouping. This is particularly significant as India prepares to assume the BRICS chair for the coming year. Even media outlets traditionally critical of India, such as Turkish media, acknowledged the importance of Modi's address at the summit. Therefore, India's participation in the BRICS should be viewed as a strategic engagement, enabling the bloc to serve as a collective voice for the Global South and a lever to counter disruptive unilateralism in an unequal world.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi's visit to the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro was a resounding success. The summit provided a crucial platform for India to assert its foreign policy priorities, condemn terrorism unequivocally, and champion the cause of the Global South. The declaration condemning the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with Modi's strong stance against double standards on terrorism, sent a clear message to Pakistan and other actors supporting terrorist activities. The summit also highlighted the importance of the BRICS as a platform for advocating for a more equitable and multi-polar world order. The grouping's commitment to reforming Western-led global institutions, addressing the challenges of unilateral trade measures, and promoting sustainable development underscores its potential to play a significant role in shaping the future of global governance. India's increasing reliance on trade with BRICS nations further strengthens the strategic importance of the bloc for its economic growth and development. Modi's call for a 'new multipolar and inclusive world order' resonated with many countries seeking a more balanced and representative global system. As India prepares to assume the BRICS chair, it is well-positioned to lead the bloc in its efforts to address the pressing challenges facing the Global South and to promote a more equitable and sustainable future for all. The BRICS, therefore, represents a strategic opportunity for India to advance its interests, strengthen its relationships with key emerging economies, and contribute to the shaping of a more just and equitable world order. Modi's strong leadership and clear articulation of India's vision for the future of global governance have undoubtedly strengthened India's position on the world stage and reinforced its commitment to the BRICS as a vital platform for achieving its foreign policy objectives. The summit's outcomes reflect India's growing influence and its commitment to working with other nations to address the challenges facing the Global South and to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
Source: India's Loud And Clear BRICS Message: 'No More Double Standards'