BRICS Summit 2025: Global South Pushes for a New World Order in Rio de Janeiro

By Learn And Fun | July 13, 2025 | Rio de Janeiro

The 17th BRICS Summit, held this week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has captured global attention with its emphasis on South-South cooperation, economic sovereignty, and reshaping global governance. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer BRICS+ members gathered under the banner of “Unity in Diversity: Strengthening the Voice of the Global South.”

With geopolitical power shifting and developing economies growing in both influence and aspiration, the summit was more than a diplomatic gathering — it became a platform for redefining global partnerships, with a special spotlight on India's expanding role.

India’s Strong Voice

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending his fourth BRICS summit as Prime Minister, took a firm stance on creating a more inclusive, multipolar world order. He emphasized the importance of fair global financial institutions and more equitable trade relations.

“The Global South must not remain a voice on the margins. It must be a key stakeholder in shaping global rules,” Modi said during his keynote speech. “India is committed to leading with responsibility, compassion, and collaboration.”

India also proposed the creation of a BRICS Research and Innovation Fund to support technological advancements across member nations, including AI, green energy, and digital infrastructure.

Major Discussions: Reform and Resistance

This year’s BRICS Summit was marked by several important themes:

1. IMF & World Bank Reform

Member nations reiterated calls to reform the IMF and World Bank, which they believe disproportionately favor Western economies. Proposals included recalibrating voting rights and increasing funding access for emerging economies.

2. Expansion of BRICS+

The group welcomed Ethiopia, Argentina, and Iran into a broader framework known as BRICS+, signaling a clear move toward building a larger coalition of the Global South. This expansion aims to make BRICS a stronger counterbalance to the G7 and other Western blocs.

3. BRICS Common Currency

Talks around a BRICS common digital currency gained traction but stopped short of an official launch. While China and Russia are pushing aggressively, India has urged cautious deliberation, citing concerns around monetary sovereignty and inflation control.

South-South Cooperation: Promises and Pitfalls

The summit was also a deep reflection on the promise of South-South cooperation, a model wherein developing nations support each other in growth, trade, and diplomacy.

Key proposals included:

·       A South-South Development Bank aimed at infrastructure funding

·       A BRICS Green Transition Pact to jointly fight climate change

·       Initiatives in food security, digital public infrastructure, and education exchange

However, experts warn that economic disparities among BRICS members and conflicting national interests may hinder these goals. While China and India are rapidly growing economies, others like South Africa and Brazil face internal economic instability.

“The idea of South-South unity is appealing, but execution has always been a challenge,” said Prof. Mariana Costa of the University of São Paulo. “Geopolitical rivalries, especially between India and China, often complicate otherwise aligned ambitions.”

China vs. India: Subtle Tensions

Though presenting a united front, the summit did not mask the underlying competition between India and China. Both are vying for leadership in the Global South narrative.

China proposed a new AI alliance under BRICS, but India responded by promoting its own “Digital Public Goods Framework,” which prioritizes open-source technology and data sovereignty.

The contrast between China’s state-driven development model and India’s democratic tech ecosystem reflects deeper ideological differences within the bloc.

Global Reactions and Western Concerns

Western nations, especially the United States and EU, are watching the BRICS developments with concern. The group’s anti-dollar sentiment, support for de-dollarization of trade, and ambition to shape a new global financial architecture have sparked debates in international policy circles.

The NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, cautiously welcomed dialogue but warned against the rise of “parallel institutions that undermine established global norms.”

Meanwhile, smaller developing nations are showing increasing interest in joining the BRICS platform, viewing it as a more inclusive alternative to Western-dominated systems.

Looking Forward: Real Momentum or Symbolic Gestures?

While the summit generated strong political statements and symbolic unity, the path forward remains complex. Implementation of decisions — especially financial reforms and multilateral projects — will depend on internal consensus, funding mechanisms, and global acceptance.

Still, this year’s summit marked a milestone in the evolution of BRICS — not just as an economic bloc, but as a potential architect of a new world order, one that may reshape the power equations of the 21st century.