The 2026 BRICS Summit convened in New Delhi from Saturday to Sunday, bringing together leaders of major emerging economies to advance inclusive global governance, strengthen multilateralism, and foster sustainable global economic growth. The summit marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, a milestone that Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted during his address to Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit on Saturday.
President Xi noted that over the past two decades, BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of self-reliance and self-strengthening through unity among emerging markets and developing countries. His remarks underscored the group's role in promoting a more equitable global order.
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 features the warmth of multilateral cooperation and how China's development philosophy resonates across the Global South. The video includes perspectives from key figures who emphasize the shared goals and mutual benefits of BRICS collaboration.
Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, stressed that emerging nations share a common bond. "Because most of the Global South countries are recently emerging from developing nation status, they understand the importance of not leaving anybody behind," she said. Mabuza also highlighted 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." Her comments reflect the practical benefits of cooperation that extend beyond trade to capacity building.
R. Deepak, professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who brought stacks of President Xi's works back from China, 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 perspective highlights how China's experiences are viewed as relevant and adaptable to other developing countries.
As the video reflects, 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 summit and accompanying media initiatives reinforce the idea that BRICS is not merely a diplomatic forum but a platform for tangible progress.
The implications of this summit extend beyond the member states. By championing multilateralism and sharing development experiences, BRICS countries are positioning themselves as advocates for a more inclusive global economy. For businesses and investors, this signals potential opportunities in infrastructure, technology transfer, and skills development across the Global South. For policymakers, it underscores the growing influence of emerging economies in shaping international norms. As the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation is celebrated, the emphasis on unity and self-reliance may inspire other regional blocs to pursue similar collaborative models. The People's Daily video, available through Media OutReach, serves as a testament to the soft power dimension of China's engagement with the Global South. Ultimately, the summit's outcomes could accelerate efforts to address shared challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, making the event a pivotal moment in the evolution of South-South cooperation.
