**BRICS Summit 2025 (Rio de Janeiro): **

I. Summit Context

• Chair: Brazil
• Significance: First summit with expanded membership (6 new members).
• New Members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE (Mnemonic: "S.A.U.D.I.E + Iran").

II. Key Declarations & Outcomes

1. Climate Finance & AI Governance:
   • Adopted dedicated joint statements (new initiative).
2. Trade & Protectionism:
   • Criticized unilateral tariffs (indirect reference to US) and "green protectionism" (e.g., EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism).
3. Institutional Reforms:
   • UN Security Council: Supported greater role for Brazil/India (but no explicit backing for permanent seats).
   • Bretton Woods & WTO: Urged reforms + restoration of dispute settlement mechanism.
4. Regional Issues:
   • Ukraine: Called for diplomacy, respecting national positions.
   • Palestine: Demanded independent state, ceasefire, criticized Gaza situation.
5. Terrorism:
   • Unanimously condemned April 2024 terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir.
   • Pledged action against cross-border terror financing (boosts India’s FATF stance vs. Pakistan).
6. Global Economic Cooperation:
   • Reaffirmed G20 as premier forum; backed South Africa’s presidency despite US tensions.

III. Strategic Implications

• Expanded BRICS: Now 16 nations, representing 46% global population & 37% GDP (PPP).
• Multipolarity Push: Summit declaration emphasized "equitable world order" despite absences of China/Russia.
• India’s Gains:
  • Kashmir terror condemnation → diplomatic victory.
  • Support for UNSC/WTO reform aligns with foreign policy goals.