The 2026 BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi from Saturday to Sunday, brought together leaders of major emerging economies to promote inclusive global governance, strengthen multilateralism, and foster sustainable global economic growth. The summit marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation, a milestone that underscores two decades of self-reliance and self-strengthening among emerging markets and developing countries.
In his address to Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of unity among emerging markets and developing countries. This emphasis on tailored development strategies and collective action is central to why the summit matters: it signals a continued commitment to a multipolar world order where developing nations have a stronger voice.
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 illustrates how China's development philosophy resonates across the Global South. The video features voices from key figures, including Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, who stressed the 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," Mabuza said. She also noted 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."
The implications of these statements are significant. They reflect a growing consensus among Global South nations that development must be inclusive and cooperative, rather than isolated. 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.
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 thus reinforces the importance of South-South cooperation and China's role in promoting a development model that prioritizes people and partnerships.
For more information on the BRICS Business Council, visit BRICS Business Council. To learn more about Jawaharlal Nehru University, visit Jawaharlal Nehru University.
