The New Delhi Declaration was the summit’s key achievement. Its neutral language helped bridge sharp differences among members over West Asia and Ukraine
India’s emphasis on Brics’ “coming of age” helped avoid an overtly anti-Western tone, important as members navigate difficult trade and diplomatic ties with the US and Europe
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s presence and conciliatory exchange with PM Modi raised hopes of a reset
But words must now translate into progress on trade, investment and the border
Brics spans economies and political systems with vastly different interests. Beyond its Global South representation, tangible gains from the grouping remain difficult to measure
The New Development Bank remains modest in scale and tied to the Western financial system. Efforts to build alternatives to the dollar have also struggled to gain traction
BRICS has expanded its reach and diplomatic relevance, but its long-term purpose remains unclear. For now, it remains a benign grouping in search of a sharper objective