By Raju Lama
International President, SAARC Journalist Forum
New Delhi: The upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi comes at a defining moment for global politics. As geopolitical rivalry intensifies, trade tensions deepen, and international institutions face growing criticism, BRICS is increasingly viewed as a platform capable of shaping a more balanced and inclusive world order. Under India’s presidency, the summit is expected to focus on the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” while addressing the challenges posed by an increasingly polarized international system.
Global polarization has become one of the most significant challenges facing the international community. Strategic competition among major powers, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, economic sanctions, supply chain disruptions, and technological rivalry have divided countries into competing blocs. These developments have complicated international cooperation on issues such as climate change, global health, food security, and sustainable development.
Against this backdrop, BRICS represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The expanded grouping now includes major emerging economies from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, giving it greater demographic, economic, and political influence. Collectively, BRICS members account for a significant share of the world’s population and economic output, strengthening their ability to influence global governance debates.
One of the summit’s primary opportunities lies in promoting reformed multilateralism. India has consistently advocated reforms of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and other global institutions to ensure greater representation for developing countries. Such reforms could help reduce inequalities in global decision-making and strengthen the voice of the Global South.
Economic cooperation will also be central to discussions. BRICS nations are expected to strengthen trade in local currencies, improve supply chain resilience, expand infrastructure financing through the New Development Bank, and enhance investment in sustainable development. These initiatives could reduce vulnerabilities created by geopolitical tensions while promoting inclusive economic growth.
Technology and innovation are emerging as another area of cooperation. Artificial intelligence, digital governance, cybersecurity, and digital public infrastructure are expected to receive significant attention as member countries seek to bridge the digital divide while ensuring responsible and ethical technological development.
However, the expanding BRICS grouping also faces internal challenges. Member countries have diverse political systems, economic priorities, and foreign policy interests. Differences over regional conflicts, security issues, and strategic partnerships may complicate efforts to reach consensus on sensitive geopolitical matters. Maintaining unity while respecting national interests will remain one of the bloc’s greatest tests.
India’s presidency presents an opportunity to position BRICS as a bridge rather than a competing geopolitical bloc. By emphasizing dialogue, development, and cooperation instead of confrontation, New Delhi aims to demonstrate that emerging economies can contribute constructively to international peace, sustainable development, and economic resilience. Recent ministerial meetings indicate that preparations are focused on practical cooperation across trade, innovation, climate action, and people-centered development ahead of the leaders’ summit.
The New Delhi Summit is therefore expected to be more than an annual diplomatic gathering. It could become a defining moment in determining whether BRICS can help reduce global polarization by fostering dialogue among diverse nations while advancing the interests of the Global South. Success will ultimately depend on the bloc’s ability to translate political declarations into concrete actions that promote stability, sustainable development, and a more equitable international order.
