Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate in the forthcoming BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in Brasília, Brazil, in early July 2025. The high-level gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is likely to witness the absence of two major figures — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that Prime Minister Modi would represent India at the summit. His visit comes at a crucial time when global power equations are undergoing significant realignment and the BRICS platform is seeking to expand its role in shaping a multipolar world order.
Putin and Xi’s Absence
While there is no official confirmation from Moscow and Beijing, diplomatic sources suggest that President Putin is unlikely to travel due to ongoing sanctions and Russia’s international isolation over the conflict in Ukraine. President Xi, on the other hand, is reportedly facing pressing domestic challenges, including an economic slowdown and leadership transitions, which may prevent him from attending in person.
Both countries, however, are expected to send senior representatives to participate in the proceedings.
India’s Strategic Outlook
Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the summit signals India’s continued commitment to strengthening ties within the BRICS grouping, even as the global economic order faces turbulence. Senior officials indicated that India will focus on promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, advancing digital innovation, ensuring energy security, and calling for reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
This will be Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Brazil following the return of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to office. Both leaders are expected to hold bilateral discussions on trade, defence cooperation, and climate change.
BRICS Expansion on the Agenda
A key issue likely to dominate the summit is the proposed expansion of BRICS membership. While China and Russia have pushed for swift inclusion of new members, India has maintained a cautious approach, stressing the need for consensus and merit-based inclusion. The expansion proposal is aimed at including more emerging economies to reflect a broader representation of the Global South.
Additionally, the use of local currencies in trade settlements, cooperation in climate finance, and food and energy security are expected to figure prominently in the discussions.
Diplomatic Opportunity for India
Observers note that the absence of Presidents Putin and Xi may provide India and Brazil with an opportunity to assume a greater leadership role within BRICS. With growing concerns over global polarisation and the ineffectiveness of traditional Western-led financial institutions, the summit may offer India a platform to present itself as a responsible global stakeholder advocating for equitable growth.
The summit is also being seen as an opportunity for India to engage in dialogue with fellow Global South nations, particularly at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises, including inflation, climate change, and supply chain disruptions.
