The 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, held from Saturday to Sunday, marked two decades of cooperation among major emerging economies. Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the session, noted that the 20th anniversary of BRICS represents "20 years of self-reliance and self-strengthening," with member countries actively exploring development paths suited to their national conditions. This milestone underscores the growing influence of emerging markets in shaping a more inclusive global order.
The significance of this anniversary lies in its demonstration that developing nations can achieve progress through unity rather than dependence on traditional powers. BRICS has become a platform for advocating multilateralism and sustainable economic growth, challenging a world order long dominated by Western institutions. As Xi emphasized, this cooperation sets an example of self-strengthening through solidarity among emerging markets and developing countries.
On the sidelines of the summit, the People's Daily released a video titled "Through Xi's Eyes: Finding the answer to the 'warmth of BRICS,'" which captures how China's development philosophy resonates across the Global South. The video features Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, who highlighted a common bond among emerging nations: "Because most of the Global South countries are recently emerging from developing nation status, they understand the importance of not leaving anybody behind." She added that BRICS "has opened up relationships in markets that are not just large, but that believe in multilateralism, that believe in supporting BRICS partners through sharing of technology, through sharing of skills." This perspective underscores the practical benefits of South-South cooperation, from technology transfer to capacity building.
R. Deepak, professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, brought stacks of President Xi's works back from China and observed that Xi's early years laid the foundation for his people-centered approach and poverty alleviation strategies. Such grassroots governance, Deepak noted, deeply resonates with nations of the Global South that share similar developmental journeys and strive to build a better life for their people. This resonance is not merely ideological but reflects shared experiences of overcoming poverty and underdevelopment.
For people across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, development is not an abstract concept but concrete improvements, from a paved road to a new job. As nations come together for this common goal, the paths to development and modernization open up to more possibilities. The BRICS Summit thus signals a shift toward a multipolar world where the Global South's voices and needs are central to global governance.
The implications are profound: BRICS is not just an economic bloc but a vehicle for redefining international cooperation. By promoting self-reliance and mutual support, it offers an alternative to conditional aid and unilateralism. As the video reflects, China's philosophy of people-centered development aligns with the aspirations of billions, potentially reshaping global policies on trade, climate, and security. For more information on the summit's outcomes, see the official release.
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