RIO DE JANEIRO — July 7, 2025 (Reuters):
At its latest summit, the BRICS coalition of emerging economies strongly denounced military actions in Gaza, Iran, and Kashmir, presenting itself as a champion of multilateralism and a rising alternative to Western-dominated global governance.

Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, leaders from across the expanding bloc criticized what they view as aggressive and unilateral policies, implicitly taking aim at U.S. military interventions and protectionist trade measures. The summit, held at Rio’s Museum of Modern Art, marked the first time Indonesia joined as a full member, reflecting BRICS’ growing global footprint.

In opening remarks, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva likened BRICS to the Cold War-era Non-Aligned Movement, saying the group now carries the torch for nations seeking to remain independent of great power rivalries.

“BRICS is the heir to the Non-Aligned Movement,” Lula said. “With multilateralism under threat, our autonomy is once again in question.”

Growing Influence, Waning G7

The expanded bloc now represents over 50% of the world’s population and roughly 40% of global economic output. Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS later welcomed South Africa and, in recent years, added Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

With the G7 and G20 increasingly gridlocked, BRICS leaders portrayed their alliance as a necessary response to a changing global order.

“The vacuum left by others ends up being filled almost instantly by BRICS,” said a Brazilian diplomat, speaking anonymously. “The G7 still holds power, but it no longer dominates.”

Despite its expanding clout, the group’s growing diversity raises questions about coherence. Some members—like India and China, or Iran and Saudi Arabia—have a history of geopolitical rivalry, adding complexity to the bloc’s long-term unity.

High-Level Attendance, Notable Absences

While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attended in person, Chinese President Xi Jinping was notably absent, sending Premier Li Qiang instead. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated virtually, as he continues to face an International Criminal Court warrant.

Even so, the summit attracted significant global interest, with more than 30 countries reportedly seeking full or associate membership in the group.

Calls for Institutional Reform and Global Justice

In their joint communiqué, BRICS leaders voiced support for a sweeping reform of international institutions, especially the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund, which they say no longer reflect current geopolitical realities.

“If global governance doesn’t adapt to today’s multipolar world, BRICS must take the lead in shaping a new order,” Lula declared, also criticizing U.S.-led wars in the Middle East as failures.

The joint statement sharply condemned recent attacks on Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision, expressed “grave concern” for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, and denounced a “terrorist attack” in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Trade Friction and Economic Sovereignty

On the economic front, the bloc criticized rising global tariffs—widely interpreted as a rebuke of President Donald Trump’s trade policies—and warned that unchecked protectionism threatens international commerce.

The statement also voiced support for Ethiopia and Iran joining the World Trade Organization, and urged restoration of the WTO’s capacity to adjudicate disputes. Additionally, BRICS leaders announced plans to pilot a “Multilateral Guarantees” initiative through the New Development Bank, aimed at reducing borrowing costs and boosting investment within member states.

Climate and Conservation Cooperation

Brazil, set to host the UN climate summit later this year, used the BRICS meeting to highlight developing countries’ commitment to addressing climate change. As the U.S. retreats from environmental efforts, Lula emphasized that the Global South is taking the lead.

China and the UAE reportedly pledged interest in funding Brazil’s proposed Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a conservation fund aimed at preserving endangered forests worldwide.

A New Global Order Emerging?

As traditional Western powers face internal divisions and shifting priorities, BRICS appears increasingly assertive in filling the void—though the group’s long-term coherence and strategic alignment remain to be tested.

For now, with its expanding membership and sharpened message, BRICS is unmistakably signaling that the global balance of power is undergoing a fundamental shift.