Trump shadow looms large over Brics as Modi hosts Putin and Xi in Delhi

What the report says

Brics leaders are meeting in Delhi for a summit hosted by India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming heads of state and government from the expanded 11-member group, including China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, the UAE and Iran, while Saudi Arabia attends as an invited member. BBC World News reports that the gathering comes as President Donald Trump’s policies, including tariff threats and pressure on efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar, shape the wider geopolitical backdrop.

According to the BBC, divisions inside Brics make it unlikely the leaders will agree on a strongly worded statement aimed at Washington. India is trying to balance its ties with the United States and its role in Brics, while China, Russia, Iran and the UAE each have different priorities and sensitivities. That makes consensus harder, especially on issues such as the Iran war, sanctions, trade and de-dollarisation.

The article says the summit is still expected to produce discussions on financial cooperation, local-currency payments, and reform of global institutions such as the UN, IMF and World Bank. Brics has also grown in economic weight over the past decade and continues to present itself as a voice for developing countries.

The summit will also feature bilateral meetings, including Modi’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. For India, the BBC says success will be judged in part by whether it can secure a joint statement and show that Brics remains more than a symbolic forum.