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 The BRICS group denounces the rise in tariffs during a summit that is overshadowed by tensions in the Middle East.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during the BRICS Summit, at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6, 2025.

Ricardo Moraes | Reuters

On Sunday, the BRICS coalition of developing nations denounced the rise in tariffs and the aggression towards Iran, yet they chose not to mention U.S. President Donald Trump by name. The group's statement also criticized Israel's military operations in the Middle East, while notably avoiding any criticism of its member Russia and only briefly referencing war-torn Ukraine.

The two-day summit was characterized by the absence of two of its most influential members. For the first time since he assumed leadership in 2012, China's President Xi Jinping did not participate in a BRICS summit. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who addressed the summit through videoconference, continues to largely refrain from international travel due to an arrest warrant issued following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In a subtle criticism of the U.S., the group's statement expressed "serious concerns" regarding the increase in tariffs, which it claimed were "inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) regulations." The BRICS further stated that these limitations "pose a threat to global trade, disrupt international supply chains, and create uncertainty."

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who presided over the summit, condemned NATO's choice to raise military expenditure by 5% of GDP each year until 2035. This viewpoint was subsequently reflected in the group's statement.

"Investing in war is always easier than investing in peace," Lula remarked at the summit's opening, which is set to proceed on Monday.

Iran in attendance

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was anticipated to participate in the summit prior to the assaults on his nation in June, delegated his foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, to represent him at the meeting in Rio.

The group's statement denounced the assaults on Iran without referencing the U.S. or Israel, the two countries responsible for them.

During his address, Araghchi informed the leaders that he had urged every member of the United Nations to firmly denounce Israel. He further stated that both Israel and the U.S. should be held accountable for their violations of rights. The Iranian foreign minister remarked that the consequences of the conflict "will not be confined" to a single nation.

"The entire region and beyond will suffer," Araghchi asserted.

BRICS leaders voiced their "grave concern" over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urged the release of all hostages, advocated for a return to negotiations, and reaffirmed their dedication to the two-state solution.

Subsequently, Iran’s Araghchi conveyed in a separate message via the messaging app Telegram that his government had reservations about the two-state solution, stating it would not be effective "just as it has not been effective in the past."

Additionally, on Telegram, Russia’s foreign ministry issued another statement identifying the U.S. and Israel, condemni

ng the "unprovoked military strikes" against Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin participates in the BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, via videolink from Moscow, Russia, on July 6, 2025.

Mikhail Metzel | Via Reuters

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Russia spared

The group's declaration, spanning 31 pages, references Ukraine only once, while it strongly condemns recent Ukrainian assaults on Russia.

"We reiterate our national stances regarding the conflict in Ukraine as articulated in the relevant forums, including the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. General Assembly," stated the group.

João Alfredo Nyegray, a professor specializing in international business and geopolitics at the Pontifical Catholic University in Parana, remarked that the summit could have demonstrated an alternative to a volatile world, but it is unlikely to achieve that.

"The absence of Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the uncertainty surrounding the representation levels for nations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE highlight the challenges faced by BRICS in establishing themselves as a unified global leadership entity," Nyegray noted. "This moment calls for high-level coordination, yet we are witnessing fragmentation instead."

Avoid Trump’s tariffs

On Sunday, Lula pushed for reforms in global institutions led by the West, while Brazil aimed to steer clear of becoming a target for increased tariffs.

Trump has warned of imposing 100% tariffs on the bloc if it takes any actions that could undermine the dollar. During last year's summit in Kazan, hosted by Russia, the Kremlin aimed to create alternatives to payment systems dominated by the U.S., which would enable it to evade Western sanctions that were imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

According to Ana Garcia, a professor at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil chose to concentrate on less contentious topics at the summit, such as enhancing trade relations among members and addressing global health, particularly after Trump returned to the White House.

"Brazil aims to minimize damage and avoid attracting the attention of the Trump administration to mitigate any potential risks to the Brazilian economy," Garcia stated.

‘Best opportunity for emerging countries’

BRICS was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, but last year the group expanded to include Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to the new members, the bloc has 10 strategic partner nations, a category introduced at last year’s summit that encompasses Belarus, Cuba, and Vietnam.

This swift expansion prompted Brazil to prioritize housekeeping matters — officially referred to as institutional development — to enhance the integration of new members and strengthen internal unity.

Despite some notable absences, the summit holds significant importance for participants, particularly in light of the instability caused by Trump’s tariff wars, according to Bruce Scheidl, a researcher at the University of Sao Paulo’s BRICS study group.

“The summit presents the best chance for emerging nations to react, in terms of exploring alternatives and diversifying their economic alliances,” Scheidl stated.

Earlier on Sunday, a pro-Israel non-profit organization displayed numerous rainbow flags on Ipanema beach to express opposition to Iran’s policies concerning LGBT+ individuals. On Saturday, the human rights organization Amnesty International demonstrated against Brazil’s intentions for offshore oil drilling near the Amazon River's mouth.

For Lula, the summit provides a much-needed respite from a challenging domestic situation, characterized by declining popularity and tensions with Congress.

The gathering also served as a platform to further climate negotiations and commitments aimed at environmental protection ahead of the COP 30 climate talks scheduled for November in the Amazonian city of Belem.