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India is hosting the 18th annual BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from the coalition of nations that increasingly positions itself as an alternative to Western-dominated economic structures. The gathering occurs during a particularly turbulent global period marked by escalating tensions between the United States and Israel against Iran, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and significant disruptions to energy markets worldwide.
The bloc, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded substantially in recent years. New members including Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia have joined since 2023, bringing total membership to eleven countries. These nations collectively represent approximately half of the world’s population and 40 percent of global economic output, making BRICS a significant player in international affairs.
However, the alliance faces considerable internal tensions as member states hold diverging positions on key geopolitical issues. Disagreements regarding the Iran conflict, regional tensions in Yemen, and territorial disputes between India and China threaten to complicate discussions. Security measures for the summit have been substantial, with thousands of additional personnel deployed throughout the capital to accommodate the numerous world leaders attending the two-day event beginning September 12.
China’s President Xi Jinping is making his first visit to India in seven years to attend the summit, while most member nations are represented by their heads of state or government. Brazil notably sent its foreign minister instead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who remains focused on domestic elections.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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