BRICS Summit highlights | Xi calls for secure, equitable AI tech, proposes BRICS AI study group

In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised that the world has entered a new era marked by turbulence and transformation. He urged unity among BRICS countries to bring greater stability to the global stage, emphasising that development is an inalienable right for all, not just a privileged few. President Xi highlighted the significant challenges faced by developing nations in achieving sustainable development goals, calling for a focus on green development, the digital economy, and the enhancement of economic exchanges. He underscored the importance of expanding political and security cooperation, especially in a world still haunted by Cold War mentalities and rising geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, President Xi stressed the need to prioritise the security, reliability, and equity of AI technologies, emphasising that human history will not culminate with a single civilisation or system. In this context, he advocated for BRICS countries to embrace inclusivity and promote peaceful coexistence on the global stage.

Indian Prime Minister Modi suggests BRICS collaboration for the establishment of a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium, emphasising its concentration on space research and meteorological monitoring. He also recommends joint efforts in education, technology, and skill assessment.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, summarised his perspective by asserting that Russia's actions in Ukraine are primarily a response to what he perceives as a war initiated by Western powers against the people of Donbass. According to Putin, the military intervention is driven by a belief that the West instigated hostilities in Donbass, and Russia's involvement is guided by this perceived aggression. This perspective forms the core of Russia's stance in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

"Next year Russia will assume the BRICS chair. In our chairmanship, we will have the following mottos-  strengthening multilateralism for global development and security; we plan to have some 200 political, economic and public events; BRICS summit is scheduled for October 2024 in the city of Kazan," Putin said.

Xi arrived at the BRICS Summit where leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will weigh expanding membership as some members push to forge the bloc into a counterweight to the West. 

He skipped the first day of the event, despite the presence there of counterparts Ramaphosa, Lula da Silva, and PM Modi.  

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov also arrived for the second day of the Summit. 

Modi said he had an excellent meeting with the South African president. He further said that both the leaders discussed a range of issues of mutual interest. The talks were aimed at deepening the bilateral ties and also working jointly to strengthen the voice of the Global South. 

PM Modi said on X: "Had an excellent meeting with President @CyrilRamaphosa. We discussed a wide range of issues aimed at deepening India-South Africa relations. Trade, defence and investment linkages featured prominently in our discussions. We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the Global South as well." 

Members of the BRICS, a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, are gathered in South Africa for a summit that carries the potential to define the bloc's future and its determination to challenge a world order it views as tilted in favour of the West. While these nations have never been more prominent on the world stage, the inner workings of BRICS remain complex. This family sure has issues.  

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India-based news agency ANI quoted sources as saying that significant development on BRICS expansion during Leaders' Retreat on August 22.

India took the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and the selection of new members. Our efforts were guided by our objective to incorporate our Strategic Partners as new members. 

Putin said the bloc was on the course to meet the aspirations of most of the world community. He said that the US dollar was losing its global role in an "objective and irreversible" process. 

He added that de-dollarisation is "gaining momentum" and the members of the group are seeking to reduce their reliance on the greenback in mutual transactions. 

Putin is not attending the summit in-person as he is sought by the West-backed International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations that he deported Ukrainian children. 

There are speculations that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting. While there are reports about the same doing the rounds, there's no official confirmation yet. 

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra was also asked about the same and he replied that it is "still being developed". 

"We have a positive intent and an open mind when it comes to BRICS expansion," Kwatra said. 

The BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue happened on the opening day of the summit in Johannesburg. 

In his address at the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, PM Modi said India will soon be a five trillion dollar economy and in the coming years will be the growth engine of the world. 

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said as the country has an urbanised population and can provide a stable workforce in future, BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africa's growth story. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in recorded remarks that the grouping was on course to meet the aspirations of most of the world's population. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he wanted Argentina to join the BRICS group of emerging countries, as Brazil's neighbor struggles with a lack of foreign reserves. 

China's leader Xi Jinping told the group that China's economy was resilient and that the fundamentals for its long-term growth remained unchanged. 

On the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Later in the day, PM Modi is scheduled to attend open and closed plenary sessions in Johannesburg.

The plenaries will be followed by a cultural performance and a banquet dinner hosted by President Ramaphosa.