Born as an economic acronym in 2001, Brics has grown into an 11-member bloc. But expansion alone hasn't translated into greater clarity or coherence of purpose
Brics represents half the world’s population and a quarter of its GDP. Yet, its growing size has only deepened the disconnect among its diverse members
China’s Xi skipped the 2025 summit. Putin joined only via videolink. These no-shows highlighted tensions and weakened the bloc’s image on the world stage
The summit’s joint statement promised fairness, equity, and reform. But it largely papered over sharp divisions on key geopolitical issues
Though Brics condemned strikes on Iran, it avoided naming the US. Calls for stronger language on Gaza revealed deep differences within the group
India will host the next summit. Its challenge: to build relevance and coherence in a bloc increasingly pulled in different directions