Brazil is hosting the BRICS summit, keen to steer clear of inciting Trump's anger regarding tariffs.

Mr. Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs against the bloc if they take any moves to undermine the dollar

Published - July 06, 2025 10:40 am IST - RIO DE JANEIRO

Participants gather at the entrance of the BRICS Business Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 5, 2025. Leaders of BRICS, convening in Rio de Janeiro starting Sunday, are anticipated to criticize Donald Trump’s stringent trade policies, yet they face challenges in reconciling differences regarding the tumultuous situations in the Middle East. | Photo Credit: AFP

Brazil will play host to a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies on Sunday and Monday (July 6 and 7, 2025) during which pressing topics like Israel's attack on Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to be handled with caution.

Experts and diplomats have indicated that the absence of unity within the expanded BRICS, which saw its membership double last year, could hinder its potential to emerge as a significant force in global matters. Additionally, they perceive the summit's restrained agenda as a strategy for member nations to avoid drawing attention from Trump.

Experts and diplomats have indicated that the absence of unity within the expanded BRICS, which saw its membership double last year, could hinder its potential to emerge as a significant force in global matters. Additionally, they perceive the summit's restrained agenda as a strategy for member nations to avoid drawing attention from Trump.

For the first time since assuming leadership in 2012, China's President Xi Jinping will not be attending a BRICS summit. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate through video conference, as he continues to largely refrain from international travel due to an arrest warrant linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The anticipated restraint in Rio de Janeiro contrasts with last year's summit in Kazan, where Russia aimed to create alternatives to U.S.-led payment systems to circumvent Western sanctions that followed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

On Friday, a source involved in the discussions revealed to journalists that certain group members are advocating for stronger language regarding the situation in Gaza and Israel's actions against Iran. This source requested anonymity as they were not authorized to publicly comment on the issue.

member discussions, but it has yet to send its confirmation letter.

As well as new members, the bloc has 10 strategic partner countries, a category created at last year’s summit that includes Belarus, Cuba and Vietnam.

That rapid expansion led Brazil to put housekeeping issues — officially termed institutional development — on the agenda to better integrate new members and boost internal cohesion.

Despite notable absences, the summit is important for attendees, especially in the context of instability provoked by Mr. Trump’s tariff wars, said Bruce Scheidl, a researcher at the University of Sao Paulo’s BRICS study group.

 PM Modi arrives in Brazil for four-day visit, to attend BRICS Summit

“The summit offers the best opportunity for emerging countries to respond, in the sense of seeking alternatives and diversifying their economic partnerships,” Mr. Scheidl said.

For Mr. Lula, the summit will be a welcome pause from a difficult domestic scenario, marked by a drop in popularity and conflict with Congress.

The meeting also represents an opportunity to advance climate negotiations and commitments on protecting the environment before November's COP 30 climate talks in the Amazonian city of Belem.

Published - July 06, 2025 10:40 am IST