BRICS summit opens in Brazil overshadowed by Trump’s tariff policies and Middle East tensions

Good morning. I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is the World Now.

Leaders of the ten-member BRICS group gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday for the bloc's 17th summit under the slogan "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance."

Leaders from Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and newer members such as Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, UAE, and Ethiopia gathered for the two-day summit.

Despite the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended virtually, BRICS leaders achieved a rare consensus, approving a 31-page declaration.

Key points included criticizing "indiscriminate" U.S. tariff hikes and condemning increased NATO defense spending.

Host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged the bloc to act as defenders of multilateralism.

BRICS nations represent more than half the world's population and 40% of its economic output.

The gathering comes amid growing calls for a united front to counterbalance the U.S.-led G7.