The 17th BRICS Summit is a meeting of the heads of state of the BRICS association, which will be held in Brazil - the city of Rio de Janeiro - from July 6 to 7, 2025.

Absence of Xi Jinping
For the first time since 2013, Chinese leader Xi Jinping will not attend the BRICS summit. Instead, China is represented by Premier Li Qiang.
Sources: bernama.com, youtube.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Putin to join remotely
Russian President Vladimir Putin will remain in Russia due to the threat of arrest under the International Criminal Court warrant. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent him.
Sources: reuters.com, cadenaser.com

Modi — a key figure of the format
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending in person and taking an active position amid India’s growing role in BRICS.
Sources: yahoo.com, reuters.com, moneycontrol.com

Expansion and new goals
BRICS leaders are discussing support for the Global South, reforms to global governance systems, and increasing the use of national currencies in trade settlements.
Sources: cadenaser.com, reuters.com, en.wikipedia.org, bernama.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com

Significance and Analysis

  • BRICS leadership split: The absence of China’s and Russia’s top leaders lowers the summit's visibility, but delegating their prime minister and foreign minister maintains strategic focus.

  • Global South in the spotlight: BRICS emphasizes strengthening developing markets, promoting financial integration without dollar dominance, and supporting infrastructure in new member states.

  • Diplomatic signals: Modi’s physical presence and other leaders' remote participation reflect complex intra-group dynamics — but the general direction remains united against Western influence.

Sources

  • Xi Jinping skips summit for the first time: IndiaTimes / EconomicTimes
    youtube.com, cadenaser.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com, en.wikipedia.org

  • Putin to join remotely due to ICC warrant: Reuters

  • Lavrov to attend in person on behalf of Russia: RIA Novosti, Bernama

  • Modi attending in person: Reuters, Times of India

  • Focus on Global South and governance reforms: EconomicTimes, CFR
    koreatimes.co.kr, cfr.org