AI Initiatives and Technological Expansion
Currently, BRICS members agreed in New Delhi to continue pushing for expanded trade and alternative payments using local currencies to successfully counter U.S. pressure. Specifically, Chinese President Xi Jinping used his summit address to propose a new initiative focused on AI-empowered industrialization. Furthermore, this strategic initiative aims to deepen crucial collaboration across industry and supply chains among the bloc’s developing nations. Consequently, Xi explicitly invited all BRICS countries to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (Waico) to help shape global AI governance. Ultimately, this framework is widely seen as Beijing’s direct answer to Washington’s Pax Silica Initiative in the ongoing competition for technological dominance.
Geopolitical Stance and Financial Autonomy
Meanwhile, the high-profile gathering is occurring against a challenging backdrop of regional turmoil, global conflicts, and rising protectionism. For instance, Xi urged emerging economies to fiercely defend international institutions like the World Trade Organization against tariff threats and treaty withdrawals. In addition, the bloc’s Payment Task Force is actively studying cross-border interoperability to develop fast, low-cost, and highly transparent payment channels. Indeed, these financial efforts represent a broader push to build an alternative international order that serves as a counterweight to Western-led institutions. Therefore, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi forcefully stated that developing economies must step up and write the rules of global governance.
Overcoming Divisions and Future Outlook
Despite these shared goals, the bloc’s unity is frequently tested by internal divisions, including recent Iranian attacks on fellow members Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Nevertheless, member nations successfully found enough common ground to overcome their biggest diplomatic splits. As a result, leaders unanimously adopted the 45-page “New Delhi Declaration 2026” on the opening day without any objections. Similarly, Xi stressed that BRICS must play a constructive role in mediating Middle Eastern conflicts and easing regional tensions. Ultimately, while recent expansions have added competing voices that sometimes slow consensus, the bloc now impressively covers nearly half the global population and a third of the world’s GDP.
Reference
Sim, D., & Sim, D. (2026b, septiembre 12). Brics members find common ground on AI, trade and alternative payment expansion. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3367303/chinese-leader-xi-urges-brics-play-its-due-role-bringing-peace-middle-east?share=X7NWpEnxD6GzAMgLNJmBmmlkC1iqLs8BJiLjbIJHOuK3l0ayMT1o6M3OW8s8ylJ5PmJDOICKdUQju1GfSNqSNtR2tKzXf0TtTCi4N3ICpgI%3D&utm_campaign=social_share