Internal splits threaten to slow Brics’ progress as bloc looks back on 20 years of growth

Leaders from some of the world’s largest emerging economies are gathering in New Delhi this weekend for a summit marking the 20th anniversary of Brics, a fast-expanding group of developing nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with his Russian and Iranian counterparts Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian, are among those meeting in the Indian capital for one of the group’s most closely watched gatherings in years.

Brics can point to some achievements over that time, with analysts highlighting its growing influence and role as a champion of the Global South.

But serious challenges lie ahead, including major splits on issues such as the best approach to handling the United States and what one observer described as a “bottleneck” impeding its development.

The grouping first took shape in 2006 when Brazil, Russia, India and China began informal talks before it was officially established in 2009.

It expanded in 2010 to include South Africa, turning it from Bric to Brics. Then Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates joined in 2024, with Indonesia following a year later. A further 10 countries have been brought in as partner nations.