BRICS Nations Strengthen Global Cooperation Amidst Call for Reform

Leaders of the BRICS nations, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for their 17th Summit, emphasizing the need for stronger global governance and inter-regional cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India called for urgent reforms in global governance institutions, while Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas such as digital economy and aerospace.

In a joint declaration, the leaders expressed their commitment to comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, to make it more democratic, representative, effective, and efficient. They also reaffirmed their support for India's candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028.

During the summit, Prime Minister Modi met with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, and Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel. He also called for urgent reform of international governance structures and condemned terrorism, citing the recent April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaders of the BRICS nations emphasize the need for stronger global governance and inter-regional cooperation in areas such as digital economy and aerospace.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for urgent reforms in global governance institutions, highlighting the importance of giving due importance to the interests of the Global South.
• Indian Prime Minister also condemned terrorism, citing the recent April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
• China's Premier Li Qiang stresses the importance of cooperation in areas such as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation, and aerospace.
• BRICS nations reaffirm their support for India's candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the UNFCCC in 2028.

Statistics:

• Headline date: July 7, 2025
• 5th BRICS Summit held: 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Participants: Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• Meetings:

+ Bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

+ Meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel

• Key discussions:

+ Comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council

+ Urgent reform of international governance structures

+ Cooperation in digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation, and aerospace

Sources:

• Government of India (4)
• People's Republic of China -- State Council News
• Government of South Africa