Extraordinary BRICS Summit Confronts Global Disorder, Calls for Reforms to UN, Trade Systems and Resists Western Sanctions
In an extraordinary virtual meeting held on September 8, 2025, BRICS leaders convened under Brazil’s presidency to articulate a unified position against what they described as growing geopolitical instability, unilateral trade barriers, and systemic failures in global governance.
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| Image Source: Ayushi Pandey on X |
At the core of the summit’s agenda was the need to overhaul multilateral institutions, beginning with the United Nations and its Security Council, which BRICS leaders collectively agreed no longer reflected the realities or interests of the wider international community, particularly the Global South.
The timing of the meeting--just weeks before the UN General Assembly, COP-30, and the G20 Leaders’ Summit --was viewed as a strategic push to recalibrate the global power balance ahead of critical global deliberations.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, flagged the widening disconnect between multilateral frameworks and real-world crises. He highlighted that cascading conflicts, extreme climate events, supply chain breakdowns, and stagnation of the Sustainable Development Goals have exposed the failure of international institutions to respond with urgency or equity.
Jaishankar took pointed aim at rising protectionism and the use of economic tools for political coercion, warning against linking trade measures to non-trade issues. In what was interpreted as a direct response to recent U.S. tariff escalations under the Trump administration, Jaishankar called for “proofing” trade and investment flows against such shocks and urged BRICS to prioritize democratized manufacturing and regional self-sufficiency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a similarly unambiguous critique of Western unilateralism, describing trade wars and tariff regimes as threats to global economic order and obstacles to development.
Xi stated China’s commitment to deepening BRICS cooperation, called for greater representation of the Global South in international institutions, and pressed for reforms that make global governance more inclusive and development-oriented.
He also emphasized China’s readiness to enhance collaboration through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks, delivered during the session, were kept from the public. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the summit was held behind closed doors and that Putin’s speech would not be disclosed.
According to Russian sources, Putin’s participation underscored Moscow’s support for a multipolar world order and resistance to U.S.-led sanctions and tariffs that have increasingly isolated Russia on the global stage.
President Lula, who chaired the summit, framed the meeting as a critical intervention by BRICS to defend multilateralism, reinforce peace, and build a just and balanced international order.
He emphasized that the bloc was not merely reacting to current tensions but was actively shaping an alternative vision--one anchored in solidarity, trade cooperation, and strategic autonomy for the Global South.
The summit also served as a preparatory ground for BRICS nations to coordinate positions ahead of key global summits, including the UNGA and the G20.
Although the summit concluded without a formal communiqué, there was clear alignment on key issues: strong opposition to economic coercion through sanctions, a demand for comprehensive reform of global institutions, and an affirmation of BRICS’ intent to act as a collective force for development, peace, and equity.
The participation of leaders from non-founding members such as Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Ethiopia, and the UAE also reflected BRICS’ evolving ambitions as a broader coalition beyond its original five.