BRICS Leaders Unite in Rio: PM Modi Joins Summit Family Photo as Bloc Eyes Cooperation
World leaders representing the expanded BRICS alliance gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a significant group photo at the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday. The session, held at the city’s Museum of Modern Art, featured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside counterparts including Brazilian President Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The family photo symbolized the bloc’s unity and collaborative spirit. Leaders and representatives from eleven nations – the original five (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) plus new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia – participated in this key moment.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the group’s commitment to deeper cooperation and mutual growth. Taking to social media platform X, he stated: “With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth. BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future.” The sentiment was echoed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X, highlighting the “collective commitment to addressing global challenges & promoting common values.”
With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth.
BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future. pic.twitter.com/ftnyp8Irm7— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025
Prior to the photo, PM Modi engaged in informal talks with President Ramaphosa, describing it on X as a “Good catching up with my friend.” Upon arriving at the summit hosted by Brazil from July 7-9, Modi also shared a handshake and hug with President Lula. The Indian leader later expressed gratitude on X, noting: “Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year’s BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good.”
During the summit, PM Modi is slated to discuss critical global issues with fellow BRICS leaders. Key topics on the agenda include peace and security, strengthening multilateral institutions, responsible artificial intelligence development, climate action, global health, and economic and financial cooperation.