BRICS 2025 Summit: A New Voice for a Changing World

At the heart of Rio de Janeiro, leaders from across continents gathered for the 2025 BRICS Summit-an event that felt less like a formal meet and more like a reflection of the world’s growing demand for fairness. With powerful economies like India, Brazil, South Africa, and new entrants like the UAE and Egypt seated together, there was a shared urgency in the air: the world is changing, and the old systems don’t seem to fit anymore. India, especially, made its presence felt as it led strong calls for global action against terrorism-urging that no country should give shelter to violence. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack, the statement wasn't just diplomatic-it was deeply human.

Another key issue discussed was money-but not just in the usual economic sense. BRICS leaders challenged the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade, calling for more use of their own national currencies. For many in the Global South, this conversation hits home. Rising costs, trade restrictions, and unfair currency systems have long affected everyday people, from small business owners to farmers. BRICS is now pushing to rewrite those rules,not in anger, but in the hope of a more balanced future where smaller nations have a fairer shot.

But perhaps what stood out most was what wasn’t said with loud voices but with presence-or absence. China’s Xi Jinping didn’t attend in person, and Russia’s Putin joined virtually, shifting the spotlight toward democratic nations like India and Brazil. The world is watching a silent reshaping of power, where leadership doesn’t just come from military or money-but from clarity, conviction, and collaboration. As BRICS grows in numbers and strength, it seems ready to offer something the world desperately needs: a softer, yet stronger voice for unity in uncertain times.