The 2026 BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi from Saturday to Sunday, brought together leaders of major emerging economies to advance inclusive global governance, strengthen multilateralism, and promote sustainable global economic growth. The summit marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, a milestone that underscores the group's evolution from an acronym to a dynamic force in global affairs.
In his address to Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that the past two decades have been a period of self-reliance and self-strengthening for BRICS nations. He noted that BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of unity among emerging markets and developing countries. This emphasis on tailored development strategies is significant because it challenges the one-size-fits-all prescriptions often pushed by traditional Western-led institutions.
On the sidelines of the summit, the People's Daily released a video titled "Through Xi's Eyes: Finding the answer to the 'warmth of BRICS,'" which illustrates how China's development philosophy resonates across the Global South. The video features voices from key figures, including Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, who stressed the shared bond among emerging nations. "Because most of the Global South countries are recently emerging from developing nation status, they understand the importance of not leaving anybody behind," Mabuza said. She added that BRICS "has opened up relationships in markets that are not just large, but that believe in multilateralism, that believe in supporting BRICS partners through sharing of technology, through sharing of skills." This perspective matters because it highlights how BRICS is not merely an economic bloc but a platform for mutual empowerment, contrasting with zero-sum approaches to international relations.
R. Deepak, a professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, brought stacks of President Xi's works back from China and observed that Xi's early years laid the foundation for his people-centered approach and poverty alleviation strategies. Such grassroots governance, Deepak noted, deeply resonates with nations of the Global South that share similar developmental journeys and strive to build a better life for their people. For Asia, Africa, and Latin America, development is not an abstract concept but concrete improvements, from a paved road to a new job. As nations come together for this common goal, the paths to development and modernization open up to more possibilities.
The implications of this summit extend beyond rhetoric. By championing a people-centered philosophy and multilateral cooperation, BRICS is positioning itself as a counterweight to unilateralism and protectionism. For Global South countries, the message is clear: development can be achieved through solidarity, technology sharing, and respect for national sovereignty. As the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation is celebrated, the summit reinforces that the group's influence will continue to grow, shaping a more inclusive global order that prioritizes the needs of the many over the interests of the few.
