Quick Read
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025.
- The summit focused on global governance reforms, multilateralism, climate action, and artificial intelligence.
- PM Modi’s state visit to Brasilia marked the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades.
- India is set to assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026, highlighting its growing leadership role in the bloc.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, marked a significant moment in India’s foreign policy. The summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss pressing global issues, including multilateralism, global governance reforms, climate action, and artificial intelligence. PM Modi’s visit, which also included a bilateral state visit to Brasilia, underscored India’s growing role as a champion of the Global South.
Strengthening BRICS: A Platform for Emerging Economies
The BRICS Summit, held at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, featured discussions on critical global challenges. Speaking at the summit, PM Modi highlighted BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. “Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order,” he stated. This year’s summit theme, “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” resonated with India’s long-standing commitment to championing the cause of developing nations on the global stage.
As reported by The Hindu, PM Modi’s engagement with BRICS dates back to his tenure’s beginning in 2014. During this summit, he reiterated India’s focus on issues such as global health, climate action, and economic stability. With India set to assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026, Modi’s presence in Brazil was seen as a strategic move to strengthen India’s leadership role within the bloc.
Bilateral Ties with Brazil: A Historic Milestone
Following the BRICS Summit, PM Modi embarked on a bilateral state visit to Brasilia, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades. During this visit, Modi held extensive talks with President Lula, focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, defense, energy, and critical minerals. According to NDTV, Modi described the visit as an opportunity to deepen India-Brazil ties and collaborate on advancing the priorities of the Global South.
Modi’s state visit also aimed to diversify bilateral trade, which has seen substantial growth in recent years. Brazil, a key player in Latin America, offers India opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. The state visit served to reaffirm the two countries’ commitment to building a robust strategic partnership.
The Broader Context: Modi’s Foreign Policy Legacy
PM Modi’s attendance at the BRICS Summit is part of a broader strategy to position India as a global leader. Over the past decade, Modi has prioritized international diplomacy, undertaking over 90 foreign visits since taking office in 2014. From fostering ties with ASEAN nations to strengthening India’s role in multilateral organizations like the UN and G20, Modi has sought to elevate India’s global standing. However, his foreign policy has not been without challenges.
As highlighted by The Wire, recent geopolitical tensions, including India’s strained relations with Pakistan and China, have tested Modi’s diplomatic acumen. The aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attacks earlier this year and India’s subsequent military response drew mixed reactions from the international community, underscoring the complexities of regional diplomacy. Despite these challenges, Modi’s focus on the Global South and initiatives like vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced India’s role as a key player on the world stage.
Looking Ahead: India’s Future in BRICS and Beyond
The 17th BRICS Summit concluded with leaders committing to strengthening multilateralism and addressing global challenges collaboratively. For India, the summit was an opportunity to showcase its leadership and advocate for reforms in global governance structures. As India prepares to assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026, Modi’s participation in this year’s summit sets the stage for a more active and influential role in shaping the bloc’s agenda.
Additionally, Modi’s focus on deepening ties with Brazil and other BRICS members aligns with India’s broader vision of fostering cooperation among emerging economies. As the world grapples with issues like climate change, economic inequality, and technological advancements, India’s leadership in BRICS and other multilateral platforms will be crucial in driving inclusive and sustainable solutions.
In a world marked by uncertainty and change, India’s active engagement in forums like BRICS underscores its commitment to shaping a more equitable and sustainable global order.