Modi to Attend BRICS Summit in Brazil; Putin and Xi Will Not

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to represent India at the 17th BRICS Summit scheduled for July 6-7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This year's gathering is noteworthy not only for its location but also due to the absence of two significant leaders: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their non-attendance raises questions regarding the future dynamics of this influential international bloc.

The BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded, now comprising ten member nations. The summit will serve as a platform for discussions on various global issues, including economic cooperation and geopolitical stability. Modi's attendance underscores India's crucial role within the group, especially amid shifting global alliances.

According to an official statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage in several bilateral meetings alongside the summit. Significant discussions are anticipated regarding trade, investment, and sustainable development goals. Modi's participation is seen as pivotal for strengthening India’s position in international affairs as the country continues to assert its influence on the global stage.

The absence of both Putin and Xi has been attributed to significant political challenges. Putin's decision to forgo the summit is largely due to an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). As Brazil is a signatory of the ICC, his entry poses considerable risks. Meanwhile, the reasons for Xi's absence remain less clear, though sources suggest that internal political factors within China may have influenced this decision.

The summit's agenda is expected to cover a range of topics, including economic recovery post-COVID-19, climate change, and the ongoing geopolitical tensions that characterize the global landscape. Experts believe that the absence of these leaders could impact the discussions, potentially limiting the breadth of perspectives on key issues.

Dr. Emily Chen, a political analyst at the Center for International Relations at Stanford University, notes that