BRICS Envoys Call for Terrorism Fight, Global South Agenda Ahead of Rio Summit.

Context:

Ahead of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, top envoys from BRICS countries stressed the need for a united front against terrorism and increased focus on championing the interests of the Global South. There was also renewed emphasis on de-dollarisation and use of national currencies in intra-BRICS trade.

Highlights:

• India’s BRICS Sherpa, Dammu Ravi, emphasized India’s leadership in transforming BRICS into a developmental and geopolitical force.
• He urged adoption of India’s models in poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and digital public infrastructure across the Global South.
• Envoys from Brazil, Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, and India condemned terrorism, referencing the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22) as a case for collective BRICS action.
• Strong backing was given for de-dollarisation through national currency usage in intra-BRICS trade.
• BRICS’ expansion in 2024–25 (adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia) marked a shift towards a more representative platform for developing countries.
• The Rio Summit is expected to accelerate sustainable solutions and strengthen the voice of the Global South in international governance.

What is BRICS?

BRICS is an international grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, established in 2009–10 to promote cooperation among emerging economies.
• In 2024, the group expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE
• In 2025, Indonesia joined, reinforcing its image as a representative of the Global South.

India in the Pre-Summit Conference:

• Urged for BRICS to act as a platform to voice the aspirations of developing countries (Global South).
• Showcased India’s success in financial inclusion, digital public infrastructure, and poverty alleviation as scalable solutions.
• Emphasized the use of national currencies in intra-BRICS trade to counter excessive dependence on the US dollar.
• India as a Voice of the Global South – Key Points:
• India as an Advocate: Positions itself as a leading voice of the Global South, representing the interests of developing nations on global platforms.
• Reforming Global Institutions: Seeks reforms in international institutions such as:

1. United Nations (UN): Advocates for expansion of the UN Security Council and permanent membership for India.
2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) & World Bank: Demands increased voting rights and equitable representation for developing countries.

Using BRICS as a Platform:

• Promotes the use of national currencies in intra-BRICS trade to reduce dependence on the US dollar.
• Supports financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, and digital public infrastructure as scalable models for other developing nations.
• Advocates expansion of BRICS membership (BRICS+) to include more Global South countries.
• Push for Multipolarity: Challenges the unipolar, developed-country-dominated global order by advocating for a multipolar and equitable international system.

Development-Centric Global Agenda:

• Focuses on key priorities like climate finance, debt restructuring, digital inclusion, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) tailored to the needs of developing nations.
• Recent Assertion: At the 2025 BRICS pre-summit dialogue, India emphasized its proactive role as a contributor shaping the strategic direction of BRICS, not just a passive member.