BRICS summit puts trade and unity under pressure in New Delhi

BRICS leaders are meeting in New Delhi on Saturday for a summit focused on trade, investment and global conflicts. The grouping is seeking a larger role in shaping the global agenda for emerging and developing countries.

The meeting comes as wars and tensions with the United States test the bloc’s unity. Differing positions on conflicts and relations with Washington remain a challenge to its ambitions.

According to France 24, BRICS has expanded to 11 members and represents about half the world’s population. The bloc’s stated ambition for greater influence remains dependent on its ability to manage internal differences.

India is balancing longstanding ties with Russia and Iran against closer economic, defence and technology relationships elsewhere. That positioning adds to the diplomatic pressures surrounding the summit.

Whether leaders can agree on a joint statement will be a key measure of the meeting’s outcome. BRICS foreign ministers reportedly failed to agree on one in May over the Iran war, leaving India to issue a chair’s summary.