New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Brazil next week to attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6–7 July 2025. The summit will bring together leaders from ten member nations of the newly expanded BRICS grouping. However, the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping from the summit has raised eyebrows.
This is the first time Xi Jinping will miss a BRICS Summit. Putin is skipping the event due to an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Since Brazil is an ICC member, his visit could have led to complications. Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and China by Premier Li Qiang.
BRICS Expansion and Agenda
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has now expanded to include five new members, raising the total to ten. This will be the 17th BRICS Summit, and India is expected to highlight multilateral cooperation, global south solidarity, and reforms in global institutions.
PM Modi is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
PM Modi’s Five-Nation Tour: Key Highlights
In addition to attending the BRICS Summit, PM Modi will embark on a five-nation tour beginning 2 July 2025. Here’s a breakdown of his schedule:
1. Ghana (2 July)
First-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years.
Aimed at strengthening India-Africa relations, trade, and development cooperation.
2. Trinidad and Tobago (3–4 July)
Official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
PM Modi will address a Joint Session of the T&T Parliament.
This marks his first visit to the Caribbean nation as Prime Minister.
3. Argentina (4–5 July)
Visit at the invitation of President Javier Milei.
Discussions expected on economic ties, agriculture, and technology.
4. Brazil (5–8 July)
Participation in the BRICS Summit hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bilateral meetings and global economic discussions are on the agenda.
5. Namibia (9 July)
PM Modi will make a State Visit to Namibia at the invitation of President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The visit will focus on climate cooperation, wildlife conservation, and bilateral trade.
Diplomatic Significance
This tour signals India’s strategic outreach to regions across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It comes at a time when India is positioning itself as a leading voice of the Global South.
With major absences at the BRICS Summit and an expanded membership, India’s role could gain more prominence in shaping the direction of this global bloc.
