World leaders gathered at the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, where the group of developing nations collectively condemned the increase of tariffs and military actions on Iran. While refraining from directly naming US President Donald Trump, the bloc’s declaration also addressed Israel’s military activities in the Middle East.
The two-day summit was marked by the absence of China’s President Xi Jinping, who skipped the event for the first time since taking office in 2012. Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing international scrutiny over the Ukraine conflict, participated via video conference.
In a veiled critique of the US, the BRICS declaration expressed concerns over the escalating tariffs, calling them detrimental to global trade and supply chains. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also criticized NATO’s decision to increase military spending, highlighting the preference for investing in peace over war.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, unable to attend due to recent attacks on Iran, sent his foreign minister to represent the country. The declaration condemned the attacks without explicitly naming the perpetrators, emphasizing grave concerns for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and advocating for a two-state solution.
Amid geopolitical tensions, expert Joao Alfredo Nyegray noted the challenges facing BRICS in establishing itself as a cohesive global leadership pole. The summit aimed to showcase an alternative to the current unstable world order but faced difficulties due to key absences and differing national interests.
As the summit unfolded, discussions touched on issues of global significance, including the reform of Western-led institutions and the need to navigate trade relations amidst the threat of tariffs. Brazil, in particular, sought to avoid drawing attention to itself and risking economic repercussions.
BRICS, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include additional members like Indonesia, Iran, and Egypt. The group’s rapid growth prompted discussions on institutional development to better integrate new members and enhance internal cohesion.
Despite challenges and notable absences, the BRICS summit remains critical for attendees seeking stability amid the uncertainties created by tariff wars and geopolitical rivalries. Analyst Bruce Scheidl emphasized the importance of such gatherings in fostering dialogue and cooperation in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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