As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a historic five-nation diplomatic tour—his longest in a decade—India is set to reinforce its leadership among emerging economies at the upcoming BRICS Summit, taking place from July 5 to 7 in Brazil. The visit, covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, reflects India’s growing engagement with the Global South and its commitment to multilateralism.
A significant highlight of the BRICS declaration will be a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. India’s response, Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted terror networks in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, underscoring New Delhi’s zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism.
This year’s BRICS agenda is ambitious. The summit, now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and most recently Indonesia, represents nearly half the global population, 40% of global GDP, and over a quarter of world trade. Discussions will centre on global governance, artificial intelligence, a new framework on climate finance, and a collaborative initiative to combat socially determined diseases.
Notably, India continues to push for global financial reforms. As Ravi, an official quoted by PTI, stated, “Countries in the Global South are exploring alternatives to existing trade mechanisms—not de-dollarisation per se—but a shift towards settlements in national currencies.”
The growing momentum for economic self-reliance aligns with India’s broader foreign policy goals: a multipolar world with shared leadership, equitable finance, and sustainable development at its core.
Following the BRICS summit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks in Brazil, with a focus on deepening cooperation in defence, trade, energy, and civil nuclear partnerships. Brazil has expressed interest in India’s Akash air defence systems and offshore patrol vessels.
India’s assertive diplomatic stance was also evident at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement that omitted mention of the Pahalgam attack. India’s principled stand signals a growing expectation that multilateral forums reflect the realities of terrorism in South Asia.
As the world’s largest democracy takes its place at the high table of emerging powers, India’s voice—clear, firm, and increasingly influential—continues to shape the global conversation on peace, security, and equitable growth.
