BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc
The BRICS bloc, comprising ten countries including Brazil, China, India, and Russia, gathers in New Delhi as it faces internal strain from global conflicts and tariffs. The group, which has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, aims to deepen economic ties and increase its role in the Global South. India's Prime Minister is hosting the summit to demonstrate its ability to maintain relationships across competing international factions.
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- ✓ BRICS comprises ten countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
- ✓ The original members of BRICS were Brazil, Russia, India, and China, which began meeting as BRIC in 2006.
- ✓ BRICS expanded in 2024 with the admission of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia formally joined in January 2025.
What changed
The BRICS bloc has expanded to include new members, increasing its global sway.
Live updates
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BRICS leaders meet in New Delhi amid global conflicts
The BRICS bloc, comprising ten countries including Brazil, China, India, and Russia, gathers in New Delhi as it faces internal strain from global conflicts and tariffs. The group, which has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, aims to deepen economic ties and increase its role in the Global South. India's Prime Minister is hosting the summit to demonstrate its ability to maintain relationships across competing international factions.
Why it matters
The BRICS summit occurs as India attempts to lead dialogue among fragmented geopolitical camps. The bloc's expansion comes with divisions among its members on how to set the stage for a revised world order. The grouping was originally conceived by Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov in 1998.
What is confirmed
- BRICS comprises ten countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
- The original members of BRICS were Brazil, Russia, India, and China, which began meeting as BRIC in 2006.
- BRICS expanded in 2024 with the admission of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia formally joined in January 2025.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Arabia's status in BRICS has been described inconsistently.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the BRICS summit and its impact on global geopolitics
- The role of India in maintaining relationships across competing international factions
- The future of BRICS' economic ties and global influence
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- en.wikipedia.org — BRICS - Wikipedia
- infobrics.org — BRICS portal
- en.wikipedia.org — Member states of BRICS - Wikipedia
- www.cfr.org — What Is the BRICS Group and Why Is It Expanding?
- brics.org — BRICS Information and Trade Opportunities
- bricsportal.org — About BRICS – BRICS Portal
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Xi Jinping pushes for economic expansion at BRICS summit in New Delhi
Chinese President Xi Jinping is advocating for deeper economic ties, artificial intelligence collaboration, and an increased role for the BRICS bloc in developing the Global South. The summit occurs as India attempts to lead dialogue among fragmented geopolitical camps. While the expanded group faces internal strain from global conflicts and tariffs, India is using the gathering to demonstrate its ability to maintain relationships across competing international factions without choosing a single side.
Why it matters
The 18th summit brings together leaders including Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Masoud Pezeshkian. The bloc seeks alternatives to Western influence amid ongoing international wars. India's hosting role highlights its strategy of non-alignment in a polarized global environment.
What is confirmed
- The 18th BRICS summit is taking place in New Delhi.
- President Xi Jinping, President Vladimir Putin, and President Masoud Pezeshkian are attending the meeting.
Still unconfirmed
- The bloc aims for a stronger role in Global South development.
What to watch next
- Official joint declarations on AI collaboration
- Agreements on new economic frameworks for the Global South
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.globalbankingandfinance.com — Xi pushes 'Greater BRICS' economic ties to give bloc larger global role
- www.hindustantimes.com — BRICS 2026: India’s summit and the push for dialogue in a fragmented world
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BRICS Leaders Gather in New Delhi for Summit
BRICS leaders have gathered in New Delhi for a two-day summit of the expanded bloc. The meeting is taking place as ongoing global conflicts, tariffs, and geopolitical rivalries strain the organization. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders expected to attend the 18th summit. Discussions are set to focus heavily on international wars and global crises. Meanwhile, emerging powers within the bloc continue to seek alternatives to Western influence.
Why it matters
The expanded BRICS bloc positions itself as the leading echelon of the Global South, aiming to offer an alternative to Western-dominated structures. However, internal divisions driven by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East threaten member cohesion. The summit offers a high-profile diplomatic platform for leaders like Vladimir Putin, who arrived in India anticipating a friendly reception.
What is confirmed
- BRICS leaders are gathering in New Delhi for a two-day summit.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for the summit.
- The summit agenda is expected to be dominated by global conflicts, including the wars in Iran and Ukraine, as well as tariffs.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders expected to attend.
Still unconfirmed
- Vladimir Putin anticipates a friendly reception during his visit to India for the BRICS summit.
What to watch next
- Official joint declarations and policy statements issued by BRICS leaders at the conclusion of the two-day New Delhi summit
- Bilateral meetings between Modi, Putin, Xi, and Pezeshkian regarding trade, tariffs, and regional conflicts
- Formal bloc positions on international conflicts and economic alternatives to the West
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- Al Jazeera — Putin lands in India for BRICs summit, shadowed by Iran and Ukraine wars
- The Guardian — Putin arrives in India for Brics summit set to be dominated by Iran and Ukraine wars
- Bloomberg.com — Putin Lands in India for BRICS Summit Shaped by Wars, Tariffs
- The Hindu — Wars, global crises may top agenda of 18th BRICS summit
- The New York Times — Emerging Powers Seek an Alternative to the West, but War Divides Them
- Financial Times — Vladimir Putin anticipates friendly reception at India Brics summit
- AP News — BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc
- NDTV — Carplomacy 4.0: PM Modi, Putin Travel In 'Fortress On Wheels' In Delhi
- Euronews.com — BRICS leaders arrive in India ahead of two-day summit as global conflicts set to take centre stage
- www.tbsnews.net — BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain expanded bloc
- www.newindianexpress.com — BRICS: Congress says declarations of solidarity must be backed by consistent action
- finance.yahoo.com — Real Time • Tide Watching | "Greater BRICS cooperation has become the leading echelon of the Global South" ---- Qian Feng and Xu Feibiao on 20 Years of BRICS C…
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