As the two-day BRICS Summit 2025 unfolds in Rio de Janeiro, all eyes are on India. With pressing global challenges on the table from US-imposed tariffs to the escalating Israel-Gaza conflict—India is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the summit’s final declaration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio on Sunday, joining leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. Behind closed doors, intense negotiations are underway to finalize the BRICS declaration, a document expected to reflect a unified stance on terrorism, trade tensions, and international security.
But beyond routine diplomatic statements, this year’s BRICS Summit 2025 is confronting real geopolitical fault lines.
A Balancing Act on US Tariffs: BRICS Summit 2025
One of the major points of contention is the unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States under the Trump administration. Although it doesn’t specifically name the United States, a draft resolution that is now being discussed purportedly denounces restrictive trade policies.
India, which has been negotiating a separate trade agreement with Washington, finds itself walking a tightrope. With a January 2025 deadline looming for tariff suspension, New Delhi must balance its bilateral trade interests with its BRICS commitments.
According to diplomats familiar with the talks, India is advocating for language that promotes “fair and equitable trade” without directly targeting the U.S., signaling a strategic yet firm diplomatic approach.
Israel-Gaza Conflict Draws Global Scrutiny
Another flashpoint is the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas conflict has reignited international debate, and BRICS nations are expected to address the issue head-on.
A draft statement circulating among the member countries reportedly condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war and calls for unimpeded humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories. While not naming Israel explicitly, the language reflects growing discomfort among BRICS nations over the rising civilian toll.
For India, this is a delicate issue. New Delhi recently abstained from a UN General Assembly vote calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, underscoring its nuanced diplomatic stance. However, within BRICS, India has shown greater flexibility, focusing on humanitarian relief and the need for peace through dialogue.
The Global Spotlight Is on India: BRICS Summit 2025
The BRICS Summit 2025 is more than a gathering of emerging economies—it’s a global stage where power dynamics are being tested. For India, the summit offers an opportunity to assert its role as a moderate, responsible global power that champions multilateralism while safeguarding its national interests.
India’s voice carries weight not just in South Asia but across the Global South. By advocating a balanced approach to the Israel-Gaza crisis and India is presenting itself as a bridge-builder in a world that is extremely divided over the U.S. tariff war.
What to Expect Next
The final BRICS Summit 2025 declaration, expected to be released on July 7, will be closely analyzed for its language on trade, security, and conflict zones. Whether or not the harsher critiques make it into the final text, the summit is already a turning point for India’s global diplomacy.
As the world watches, India’s strategic clarity and measured assertiveness could very well define the legacy of this summit and its own place in the emerging world order.