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 Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted during his address at the Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit on Saturday. 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-strengthening through unity among emerging markets and developing countries.
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 underscores the shared values and mutual support that define BRICS cooperation.
In the video, Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, emphasized 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," she said. Mabuza also highlighted that BRICS has opened up relationships in markets that are not just large, but that believe in multilateralism and in supporting BRICS partners through sharing of technology and skills.
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.
The video reflects that 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.
This summit and the accompanying video are significant because they illustrate how China's development philosophy is influencing global governance and South-South cooperation. By promoting inclusive growth and multilateralism, BRICS is positioning itself as a counterweight to traditional Western-dominated institutions. The emphasis on sharing technology and skills among member states could accelerate industrialization and economic diversification in the Global South. Moreover, the people-centered approach highlighted by Xi and echoed by leaders like Mabuza and scholars like Deepak suggests that BRICS is not just a geopolitical alliance but a platform for practical solutions to common challenges. As the world grapples with inequality and climate change, the BRICS model of solidarity and self-reliance may offer a viable alternative for developing countries seeking sustainable and equitable development.
For more information on the BRICS Business Council, visit https://www.bricsbusinesscouncil.org.
