Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward several initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation within the "Greater BRICS" bloc, emphasizing its role as a practical platform for Global South development and seeking to enhance the group's global influence.
Speaking at the annual summit in New Delhi, Xi Jinping highlighted that the success of the "Greater BRICS Initiative" hinges on establishing a robust foundation for pragmatic collaboration. He urged member nations to enhance cooperation, maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains, and foster an integrated market among themselves.
As part of these efforts, China will spearhead the establishment of a BRICS AI Open Source Zone, intended to promote collaboration on large language models, AI training, and the development of an open AI ecosystem. Additionally, Xi proposed a BRICS Special Economic Zone partnership and announced that China will host a BRICS Service Trade Forum next year to bolster trade and investment relations.
The BRICS group has significantly expanded, now including Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to its original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This expansion, along with ten partner countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, broadens the bloc's reach within the Global South. China and Russia have informally referred to this enlarged grouping as "Greater BRICS."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of making solutions developed within BRICS adaptable and accessible to meet the needs of the Global South. Russian President Vladimir Putin described BRICS as a significant force driving the creation of a fairer, multipolar world order, encouraging members to leverage their individual economic strengths.
The summit convened amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf region. Nevertheless, the gathering achieved a diplomatic success with the adoption of a joint declaration expressing deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and calling for maximum restraint. In a significant sideline meeting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to discuss de-escalation, regional stability, and peace initiatives.
