BRICS

On 18 August 2026, BRICS environment ministers meeting in New Delhi issued a joint statement condemning the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as unilateral, punitive, discriminatory, and protectionist. They argued the carbon levy, effective since December 2025, unfairly burdens developing countries' industries like steel and aluminium, diverting resources from climate resilience. The bloc also demanded developed nations triple adaptation finance by 2035, ahead of COP31 in Turkey. Despite the criticism, India and Brazil have recently signed trade deals with the EU.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 19, 11:26 AM UTC

The Hindu's morning digest covers multiple major stories from July 24, 2026. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a cabinet discussion and a bill on NEET paper leaks. The U.S. imposed 10% tariffs on goods from India and 16 other countries over forced labour concerns. The Ministry of Minority Affairs reported over 6.17 lakh Waqf properties approved on the UMEED portal. Opposition parties refused a debate on paper leaks without Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and held a symbolic march. Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman was invited to the BRICS summit in Delhi. Additionally, activist Amit Bhatnagar ended an 18-day hunger strike against the Ken-Betwa river linking project.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:06 AM UTC

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited by the Indian government to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026, as a guest. The announcement was made by Bangladeshi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid in Dhaka. This marks the first BRICS summit since Rahman came to power in February 2026 after a landslide victory for his Bangladesh Nationalist Party. His first foreign trips were to Malaysia and China. The invitation comes amid a trust deficit in India-Bangladesh ties following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. Key pending issues include the renewal of the 1996 Ganga water treaty, which expires on December 31, 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:12 PM UTC

The article analyzes China's intensified efforts to shape international norms on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, as exemplified by President Xi Jinping's keynote at the 2026 World AI Conference. Xi promoted a 'people-centered' approach, openness, multilateralism, and UN-led governance, while opposing the 'overstretching of national security concepts'—a veiled criticism of US technology restrictions. The analysis argues these moves are self-serving, aimed at accessing foreign technology and exporting China's illiberal values. China announced the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization with 29 founding signatories, including Russia and Pakistan, and pledged 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries. The article warns democracies to respond, noting China's past limited success in global governance initiatives like the outer space treaty. It concludes that while regulation is needed, China's vision ignores universal principles like human rights.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:43 AM UTC

In an interview with EUobserver, Czech foreign policy expert Filip Scherf analyzes the mounting pressures on Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Scherf argues that the crisis is serious on military, political, and economic fronts, with problems reinforcing each other. He disagrees with Bloomberg's assessment that Russian diplomacy has failed, noting Russia's success in maintaining ties with the Global South and expanding BRICS. Scherf questions the reliability of Russian polls showing falling popularity but notes the trend is clear and that the Kremlin may be preparing for a shift. He explains that Putin is trapped: he cannot continue the war indefinitely due to economic strain, but he cannot end it without victory, as returning soldiers would destabilize the regime. The interview covers potential escalation scenarios and the difficulty of predicting a breaking point.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:20 PM UTC

In an interview with Denník N, Czech foreign policy expert Filip Scherf analyzes the mounting pressures on Vladimir Putin's regime due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Scherf argues that the crisis is serious on military, political, and economic fronts, with the war eroding Putin's power faster than Western sanctions. He disagrees with Bloomberg's assessment that Russian diplomacy has failed, noting Russia's success in maintaining ties with the Global South and expanding BRICS. Scherf highlights that even official Russian polls show declining support for Putin, suggesting the Kremlin may be preparing the ground for a policy shift. However, he notes that Putin faces a dead end: he cannot continue the war indefinitely due to economic strain, but he cannot end it without victory, as returning soldiers would destabilize the regime. The expert warns that authoritarian regimes like Putin's often appear strong until the last minute before they fall.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:20 PM UTC

This opinion article argues against the simplistic view that only the United States and China matter in global affairs, while the West and BRICS+ are irrelevant. The author, launching a new policy platform, highlights three factors that limit superpower influence and allow smaller powers to exert disproportionate impact. The piece emphasizes that transnational problems such as infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, AI governance, and global economic imbalances require cooperation beyond just the US and China, advocating for closer ties between the West and the BRICS+ group of emerging economies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:31 AM UTC

This commentary argues against the prevailing view that only the United States and China matter in global affairs. The author, launching a new policy platform with Gemma Cheng'er Deng, contends that the West and the BRICS+ group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, plus other emerging economies) are essential for addressing transnational challenges. Three factors are cited to show that even superpowers have limits and that smaller nations can exert disproportionate influence. The piece emphasizes that problems like infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, AI governance, and global economic imbalances cannot be solved by any single country or bilateral relationship alone, advocating for broader multilateral cooperation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:31 AM UTC

On July 16, 2026, 29 countries signed an agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), headquartered in Shanghai, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in attendance. Proposed by China at the 2025 World AI Conference, WAICO aims to promote equitable, safe, and people-centered AI development, emphasizing narrowing the technology gap between rich and poor nations. President Xi Jinping announced 5,000 training spots for developing countries over five years and cooperation centers with ASEAN, the African Union, and BRICS. Founding members include Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and several Asian, African, and Latin American nations, notably excluding any Western or Western-aligned countries. The article analyzes WAICO as a significant step in the emerging geopolitical split in AI governance, potentially creating parallel ecosystems for standards and infrastructure. China frames the initiative as a response to Global South needs, contrasting with Western-led forums focused on high-risk systems. The organization allows China to offer structured AI capacity-building support, expanding its influence as an alternative provider outside Western frameworks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:24 PM UTC

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, advocating a "people-centred" and inclusive approach to AI development. He announced 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over five years and cooperation with ASEAN, Arab League, African Union, and BRICS. Xi warned against overstretching national security concepts, implicitly criticizing US export controls. Separately, 29 countries signed an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) headquartered in Shanghai, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attending.

13 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:24 PM UTC

The Indian Institute of Technology-Tirupati (IIT-Tirupati), in collaboration with its Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITNiF), hosted the fifth meeting of the BRICS Working Group on 'Geospatial Technologies and its Applications' on July 20, 2026. The three-day hybrid event, organized under India's Department of Science and Technology, brought together policymakers, scientists, academicians, industry leaders, startups, and research organizations from BRICS countries and partner nations including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The meeting, themed 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', focused on the role of geospatial technologies in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. Key participants included IIT-Tirupati Director K. N. Satyanarayana, DST Under Secretary Gautam Govind, and DST National Geospatial Programme Division Head Manoranjan Mohanty, who emphasized international cooperation and technological innovation in strengthening the geospatial ecosystem across BRICS nations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:38 PM UTC

The article argues that European anxiety over China extends far beyond trade imbalances, reflecting a deeper concern about China's challenge to the rules-based global order that Europe helped create. It highlights the EU's 2019 designation of China as a 'systemic rival' and notes that the 2025 EU-China trade surplus of 360 billion euros is widening. The analysis covers economic competition in key sectors like EVs and batteries, diplomatic tensions over governance models, and the EU's 'de-risking' strategy. It also examines China's growing influence in the Global South through forums like FOCAC and its promotion of sovereignty and non-interference norms, posing a paradox as China gains rule-making power while maintaining anti-hegemonic rhetoric.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:32 PM UTC

Sarpanch Neeru Yadav from Lambi Ahir, Rajasthan, represented India at the BRICS Women’s Ministerial Meeting-2026 in Kochi, Kerala, held on July 8-9 under India's presidency. Selected by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and UN Women India, the 36-year-old grassroots leader shared her 'village to global' journey and highlighted rural innovations, women's leadership, and panchayat-based development models. Her initiatives include forming a girls' hockey team funded by her honorarium, establishing a utensil bank to reduce plastic use, and the 'Naari Disha' programme for digital literacy and financial inclusion. She also promoted environmental conservation through 'Mera Ped, Mera Dost' and eco-friendly gifting traditions. The meeting brought together ministers and officials from 11 BRICS nations, focusing on women's leadership, economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and sustainable rural development.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:18 PM UTC

This news digest from The Hindu covers several major developments on May 16, 2026. Internationally, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a 45-day extension of their ceasefire following talks in Washington, preventing the expiration of a shaky truce with Hezbollah. Meanwhile, BRICS Foreign Ministers reaffirmed support for an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, though internal disagreements prevented a joint statement. In India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Pune-based lecturer P.V. Kulkarni, alleging he was the mastermind behind the NEET-UG 2026 chemistry paper leak. Politically, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dismissed media reports suggesting the government was considering taxes on foreign travel as entirely false. Additionally, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju raised concerns regarding Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi’s alleged undeclared foreign trips, urging compliance with parliamentary rules. The Election Commission also ordered a probe into allegations of foreign nationals voting in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. These stories highlight significant geopolitical shifts and domestic political and legal developments in India.

1 reports · 1 sources

US President Donald Trump stated that the recent ceasefire with Iran was granted primarily as a favor to Pakistan and at the request of other nations, despite his personal reservations. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that Pakistani mediation efforts are facing significant difficulties due to mutual mistrust and contradictory messages from Washington. Araghchi emphasized Tehran's willingness to preserve the ceasefire to allow diplomacy to proceed, while expressing openness to constructive roles from China and Russia. He noted that Iran is considering Russia's offer to store enriched uranium but has postponed this issue for later negotiation stages. The comments came during BRICS foreign ministers' meetings in New Delhi, where members expressed differing views on the Middle East conflict. China reiterated its stance against the continuation of hostilities, advocating for an early resolution. Iran also clarified its position on the Strait of Hormuz, stating it remains open to friendly vessels coordinating with Iranian officials, while denying responsibility for disruptions. The situation remains fragile as both sides navigate complex diplomatic channels amidst ongoing regional tensions.

1 reports · 1 sources

This Op-Ed analyzes escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba following the Trump administration's actions against Venezuela and Iran. After the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and the death of Ali Khamenei, President Donald Trump issued a decree declaring Cuba an extraordinary national security threat due to its ties with Russia. The decree imposes tariffs on third countries supplying oil to Cuba, exacerbating the island's severe energy crisis following the halt of Venezuelan oil exports. While Trump initially suggested Cuba might collapse on its own, his rhetoric has hardened, with recent comments hinting at a potential takeover or intervention. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the aggression, vowing defense while seeking diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, Russia has reaffirmed its support for Havana, warning that US interference threatens global multipolarity and viewing Cuba's stability as crucial for its geopolitical influence. The article highlights the asymmetric power dynamic and the broader implications for US relations with the Global South and BRICS nations.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei issued stern warnings against US military aggression, threatening severe consequences for any ground invasion. Tehran rejected recent US nuclear proposals as demands for surrender and demanded the unfreezing of assets and safety in the Strait of Hormuz. Blaming US and Israeli actions for regional instability, Iran characterized the US blockade as an act of war while asserting its military readiness. The escalating conflict has compromised Persian Gulf security, impacting global energy markets and shipping lanes, with Iran seeking diplomatic resolution through BRICS channels.

25 reports · 19 sources · Updated May 25, 09:27 AM UTC

BRICS foreign ministers concluded their meeting in New Delhi without a joint declaration, highlighting deep divisions over the ongoing war involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Tensions between member states Iran and the UAE prevented consensus, with Tehran seeking condemnation of Western actions while Abu Dhabi blocked such language. The final chair’s statement acknowledged differing views but affirmed support for Palestinian statehood and economic cooperation. This deadlock underscores the geopolitical challenges facing the expanded bloc as it prepares for the upcoming leaders' summit, revealing fractures within the Global South alliance.

16 reports · 9 sources · Updated May 17, 05:49 AM UTC

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed that India could play a significant mediating role in resolving the ongoing Middle East crisis, specifically by facilitating dialogue between Iran and Arab countries. Speaking at a media briefing following the BRICS foreign ministers’ summit hosted in New Delhi, Lavrov highlighted India's vast diplomatic expertise and its position as the current BRICS president. He argued that while BRICS as a collective entity might not be the ideal mediator due to internal divisions, individual members like India are well-positioned to help. Lavrov attributed the regional hostilities to Western interference aimed driving a wedge between Iran and its neighbors. Although the BRICS chair’s statement called for an early resolution and emphasized diplomacy, it also acknowledged differing views among member states, reflecting deepened divisions between Iran and the UAE regarding the conflict. Lavrov asserted that India's interest in regional stability and oil supplies makes it a suitable candidate to invite parties such as Iran and the UAE to the negotiating table.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the Group of Seven (G7) nations for dominating the policies of Bretton Woods institutions, specifically the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking at a BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov argued that the current global financial architecture is discriminatory and lacks transparency. He highlighted the discrepancy between economic reality and institutional power, noting that while the G7 accounts for less than one-third of global output, it retains disproportionate control. In contrast, BRICS nations, representing approximately 40% of global GDP, lack comparable influence. Lavrov emphasized the urgent need to reform the IMF’s quota distribution system to better reflect the modern balance of power. He accused the IMF of prioritizing the interests of Western minority shareholders while neglecting the needs of the Global South and East. The foreign minister concluded that correcting these historical injustices by realigning international institutions with current economic potentials would enhance the effectiveness of the global international architecture and remove existing dividing lines.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's full solidarity with Cuba during the third plenary session of the BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi. Lavrov condemned the expansion of unilateral coercive measures, including illegitimate sanctions and asset seizures, describing them as a significant challenge to the multilateral international relations system. He specifically highlighted the adverse impact of such policies on the populations of targeted nations, citing Iran and Cuba as primary examples. The statement comes amid a deteriorating situation in Cuba, where an energy blockade imposed by the US administration in late January 2026 triggered a severe energy crisis. This crisis led to multiple national power grid failures in March, leaving the island without electricity for days, alongside acute shortages of gasoline and diesel. Consequently, several foreign airlines suspended flights to Cuba due to jet fuel scarcity. Lavrov emphasized that these actions violate principles of sovereign equality and fundamental human rights, including the right to development and food security. The BRICS meeting, chaired by India, concluded with a final statement addressing these geopolitical tensions.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Russia is prioritizing the strengthening of cooperation within the BRICS framework to combat terrorism, extremism, corruption, and illicit drug trafficking. Speaking at the BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi during a session titled '20 Years of BRICS,' Lavrov emphasized the importance of joint efforts to ensure the security of information and communication technologies. He argued that such collaboration is increasingly relevant because certain countries are exploiting counter-terrorism narratives as a pretext to exert economic, political, and military pressure on governments they deem unwelcome. The statement highlights Russia's strategic focus on multilateral security initiatives within the bloc, aiming to create a unified front against what Moscow perceives as the politicization of security issues by Western powers. This move aligns with broader BRICS objectives to enhance sustainability and balanced development while resisting external interference in member states' internal affairs.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for intensified joint efforts among BRICS nations to prevent an impending global debt crisis during a ministerial meeting in New Delhi. Speaking at a plenary session titled '20 Years of BRICS,' Lavrov highlighted that global aggregate debt has reached 93% of GDP and is projected to exceed 100% by 2029, posing systemic risks to financial stability. He proposed the creation of an investment platform, potentially utilizing digital assets, to fund development projects in the Global South and East. Lavrov emphasized the critical role of the New Development Bank (NDB), whose annual meeting was concurrently held in Moscow. He stressed the necessity for the NDB to adjust its operational strategy and adapt its operating model to address current geo-economic challenges. The article underscores Russia's push for financial cooperation within the BRICS framework as a countermeasure to existing global economic instabilities, positioning the NDB as a central instrument in this initiative.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has strongly accused the United Arab Emirates of betraying Tehran by facilitating military attacks during the recent American-Israeli war. Speaking at the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Gharibabadi labeled the UAE an aggressor under UN resolutions for allowing US and Israeli use of its facilities. He justified Iranian strikes on US-linked assets in the UAE as acts of self-defense, asserting that Iran’s conflict is with Israel and the US, not its neighbors. Conversely, UAE Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Almarar rejected these claims, accusing Iran of launching over 3,000 missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure and disrupting shipping routes. Reports indicate high-level Israeli visits to the UAE and coordinated military actions, including an attack on an Iranian petrochemical site on Lavan Island. The article suggests that Israel benefits from the resulting tension, which has isolated the UAE within the Gulf. With Tehran expressing deep frustration and the UAE maintaining its defensive stance, the analysis predicts the UAE may join US and Israeli forces if hostilities resume.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, reinforcing the strategic partnership between Russia and India. Key discussions focused on expanding hydrocarbon supplies, nuclear energy cooperation, and developing alternative payment systems to mitigate Western pressure. Lavrov confirmed Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Russia in 2026 and highlighted collaboration on transport corridors. The visit also featured a notable incident where Lavrov threatened a disruptive journalist. Both nations emphasized their commitment to deepening economic and defense ties amidst ongoing global geopolitical shifts.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated May 16, 05:39 AM UTC

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for significant reforms to the United Nations Secretariat, arguing that it has been effectively taken over by a single group of states pursuing their own interests. Speaking at the third plenary session of the BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov stated that the current situation, where the Secretariat is dominated by citizens of NATO countries, is unacceptable. He highlighted that the positions of the Secretary-General and his six key deputies, who control administrative and financial levers, are held by nationals from NATO member states. Lavrov criticized this imbalance for replacing work in the interests of all member states with the promotion of minority approaches and a neoliberal agenda. He emphasized that the UN Charter mandates fair geographical representation, a criterion currently ignored. The Russian diplomat urged member states to rectify these accumulated imbalances to preserve the intergovernmental nature of decision-making. He indicated that this issue requires particular attention and will likely be addressed at the next session of the UN General Assembly scheduled for September.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 15, 2026, articulated Russia's strong stance on reforming the United Nations Security Council. Lavrov emphasized the necessity for broader representation of the 'global majority' within the Council's structure. He explicitly confirmed Moscow's support for the ambitions of Brazil and India to secure permanent membership seats. Furthermore, Lavrov highlighted the need to address historical injustices faced by African nations regarding their representation. In contrast, he firmly rejected proposals to grant additional seats to Western countries, arguing that the 'collective West' is already overrepresented and maintains a monopoly on shaping the global agenda. This statement underscores Russia's diplomatic strategy to align with emerging powers and challenge the current Western-dominated multilateral system. The remarks were made during a plenary session focused on the reform of global governance, reflecting ongoing tensions between traditional powers and the expanding influence of BRICS nations in international institutions.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the critical need for strengthened solidarity among BRICS nations during a ministerial meeting in New Delhi. Speaking at a plenary session titled '20 Years of BRICS: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,' Lavrov argued that only through active collective efforts can BRICS countries ensure their interests, along with those of the Global South and East, are genuinely considered in leading multilateral forums. He cited the recent cooperation at the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil, as a positive example of how coordinated stances can lead to balanced solutions. Lavrov highlighted the importance of this unity in institutions such as the United Nations, G20, World Trade Organization, and World Health Organization. The statement underscores Russia's strategic push to enhance the geopolitical influence of the BRICS bloc and challenge the dominance of Western-led international structures. By advocating for deeper coordination, Lavrov aims to position BRICS as a decisive voice in global governance, ensuring that the perspectives of emerging economies are adequately represented in high-level diplomatic and economic discussions.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday that the BRICS nations should continue their efforts to establish mechanisms for transnational payments that are resilient to external risks. Speaking in Moscow, Lavrov emphasized the importance of creating financial infrastructure within the bloc that can withstand potential sanctions or economic pressures from outside entities. This statement aligns with broader geopolitical trends where BRICS members, including Russia, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, seek to reduce dependency on Western-dominated financial systems such as SWIFT and the US dollar. The push for alternative payment systems is seen as a strategic move to enhance economic sovereignty and facilitate trade among member states without exposure to volatile external political conditions. While the provided text is brief, it highlights a key diplomatic and economic priority for Russia within the BRICS framework, focusing on financial security and independence from Western influence.

1 reports · 1 sources

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the critical role of BRICS in fostering stability and balance within the evolving global geopolitical and geo-economic landscape. Speaking at the second plenary session of the BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov described the bloc as a essential force for establishing a positive agenda for global development based on consensus and equality. He explicitly rejected confrontation and zero-sum games, advocating instead for a collaborative approach. Lavrov highlighted BRICS' unique "culture of communication," characterized by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and the consideration of all member opinions. He argued that this framework ensures the group's stability and enhances its authority among nations comprising the "global majority." The remarks underscore Russia's strategic vision for BRICS as a counterweight to Western-dominated international structures, promoting a multipolar world order through dialogue and shared interests rather than conflict. This statement aligns with broader efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation among emerging economies amidst significant tectonic shifts in international relations.

1 reports · 1 sources