India Leads BRICS Presidency with Focus on Global South Priorities

India is conducting the BRICS presidency under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' aiming to place Global South priorities at the centre of the grouping’s agenda. The summit includes a joint ceremonial tree-planting event and a closed session on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism.

BRICS Summit Highlights and Themes

The BRICS group, which expanded to include South Africa after its inaugural summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009, is focusing on enhancing supply chain security and fostering cooperation among member countries. The summit’s theme reflects a strategic approach to resilience and sustainability, with New Delhi emphasizing innovation and cooperation.

Leaders are participating in a tree-planting ceremony symbolizing their commitment to sustainability. A closed session titled 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism' is also part of the agenda, highlighting the group’s intent to address global governance challenges collectively.

India-China Relations at the Summit

China has expressed its desire to approach its relationship with India from a 'strategic height and long-term perspective,' aiming to increase communication, expand cooperation, and properly handle differences. This stance comes ahead of a key meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, their first in seven years.

Experts note that if India and China can speak with one voice, it will have a significant impact on global affairs. The meeting is seen as a major development, symbolizing a turning point in China-India ties. Discussions are expected to cover issues including the Arunachal border, a mega dam project, and broader bilateral relations.

Global South and Supply Chain Resilience

As a major platform for the Global South, the expanding BRICS grouping is enhancing development-chain resilience and offering more options for sourcing, exporting, and partnerships. The growing complementarity among member countries provides the Global South with alternatives in global trade and cooperation.

The summit aims to lay the foundation for deeper collaboration, with India seeking an early and substantial harvest from these efforts. The focus on inclusive global governance underscores the group’s commitment to multilateralism and collective progress.