Cynics and skeptics had started writing obituaries of the bloc following tensions between two new members of the group – UAE and Iran. Amid the prevailing tensions the New Delhi meeting was of utter significance—foreign ministers of different members of the group had one agenda: thrash out a formula to end West Asian conflict and provide relief to the international community.

The meeting was marked by heated debates between UAE and Iran and yet they shared the same table under the same roof and no one walked away in what showcases the significance of the group in a world fraught with geopolitical and geo-economic challenges.

The beauty of the BRICS definitely lies is getting different voices on same platform. 

Differences, Yet United

The differences among the BRICS members are nothing new. These have existed even before the expansion of the group and each Summit has only strengthened the fabric of the bloc that symbolises multipolarity and gives hope to the Global South.

BRICS has survived and thrived notwithstanding several attempts to label it as anti-West by certain quarters which felt that BRICS has a sinister plan of de-dollarisation. The BRICS incidentally comprises some key allies of the US– UAE and Saudi Arabia and provides a platform to hedge rather than creating a parallel institution to replace existing institutions.

BRICS act as a pressure group and provide countries a platform which can be used a tool for leverage. It is an India whose time is yet to arrive. It is an idea for the future.

BRICS Agenda: Road Ahead  

Over the years, BRICS has grown both in scale and in relevance, reflecting the aspirations of emerging markets and developing economies for a more balanced and inclusive international order. The bloc has expanded its agenda and membership in response to changing global realities, while remaining focused on people-centric development and practical cooperation.

The journey of BRICS over the last two decades has been eventful. Institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement demonstrate the ability to create credible alternatives.

While brainstorming on the most critical issues of the day, unanimously, the Foreign Ministers led by Indian External Affairs Minister presented a forward-looking agenda to overcome the prevailing challenges.     

India’s own approach is guided by a desire to make BRICS more people-centric. India sees BRICS as "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability,” with a clear focus on ‘Humanity First’ and on the priorities of the Global South. 

Strengthening Supply Chains

India is working to strengthen supply chains, diversify markets, improve early warning systems, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. Initiatives such as digital integration for social welfare reflect a strong focus on people’s well-being.  That apart, other measures such as the BRICS Incubator Network, the Science and Research Repository, and the Youth Startup Platform aim to strengthen innovation ecosystems and expand opportunities. 

The BRICS MSME Connect Portal, the Trade Receivables Discounting System, and partnerships in agriculture and health will deliver tangible outcomes as well. India’s other focus is on climate action, clean energy, and sustainable growth pathways. India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening BRICS in line with principles of international understanding, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, full consultation, and consensus.

The BRICS agenda has expanded considerably from its initial focus on economic issues of mutual concern to becoming structured around three core pillars: political and security cooperation, economic and financial cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

BRICS Cooperation

BRICS cooperation continues to broaden its scope across a wide range of global issues, including terrorism, climate change, food and energy security, the international economic and financial situation, telecommunications, agriculture, labour and employment, international financial architecture, trade, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The 17th or last BRICS Summit held in 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, under Brazil’s presidency, focused on the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” The aim was to prioritise global health cooperation, trade and finance, climate change (as a bridge to COP-30), AI governance, and institutional streamlining. Apart from the BRICS Summit Leaders’ declaration, three other outcome documents were adopted: the Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, mobilising resources for sustainable transitions and COP-30; the Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, calling for inclusive, responsible, human-centric AI regulation; and the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases, focusing on health equity and pandemic preparedness. The Brasilia Declaration reaffirmed BRICS’ commitment to comprehensive UN reform, multilateral trade reform, and inclusive governance, while strengthening BRICS’ role as a platform for Global South solidarity.

The world fabric is changing rapidly. And so must BRICS and the bloc must move on--  move beyond being just a forum for discussion. It now needs to transform itself into becoming a platform for delivery.

BRICS’ relevance will depend on outcomes, not just on intent. The more BRICS connect with societies and their aspirations, the greater will be the value of BRICS. The independence and diversity of BRICS are its real strength. It is perceived globally as a force seeking change and reform. In a world that is focused on de-risking and diversifying, BRICS offer more options and its approach to international relations is one based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. 

(The writer is a commentator on geopolitics. Views expressed are personal.)