Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Brazil next month for the 17th BRICS summit, marking India’s continued engagement with the expanding alliance of developing nations, according to The Hindu news outlet. Government sources suggest Modi will attend the gathering in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, where he will meet with leaders from Russia, China, South Africa, and other member states.
The summit comes at a crucial time for India, which is keen to see the alliance take a stronger stance on cross-border terrorism. Any joint declaration addressing this issue would be particularly significant for New Delhi, which has long sought international backing for its concerns about Pakistan-based terror groups.
Brazil’s presidency of BRICS this year has set an ambitious agenda focused on sustainable development and climate financing, with over 100 preparatory meetings scheduled between February and July. The host nation is using its leadership role to champion Global South priorities in international governance.
For Modi, who has attended every BRICS summit since taking office, the gathering represents an opportunity to balance India’s relationships with both Western allies and emerging economy partners. The summit will test the alliance’s ability to maintain unity despite differing positions on global conflicts, particularly regarding Russia’s role in Ukraine.
The timing is notable as the Trump administration in Washington views BRICS expansion with growing concern, seeing it as a challenge to American economic dominance. The alliance has grown from its original five members to include new additions like the UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia, significantly expanding its global reach.
India’s participation underscores its strategy of maintaining strategic autonomy whilst deepening ties with fellow developing nations that share similar concerns about reforming global institutions dominated by Western powers.
