The 18th BRICS Summit officially commenced in New Delhi this Saturday, drawing global attention as key leaders gathered to discuss the future of emerging economies. Representing the UAE, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the national delegation, marking a significant presence for the Emirates at this high-level forum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the event by emphasizing the bloc’s massive economic footprint, noting that BRICS nations now represent roughly half the global population and 40 percent of total world GDP. He pointed out that since its inception two decades ago, the group has grown from a core of four nations into a powerful 21-member collective, consistently outpacing the global economy in growth.

Looking toward the future, Prime Minister Modi called for a strategic removal of trade barriers to foster deeper integration among member states. He highlighted India’s readiness to share its digital expertise, specifically mentioning the success of the Unified Payments Interface, and invited international firms to leverage India’s thriving startup ecosystem, which now boasts over 200,000 startups. To turn these ambitions into reality, Modi proposed concrete initiatives, including a new BRICS incubator network, an SME gateway, and a startup innovation fund. He concluded by stressing the importance of secure maritime routes and unified action, urging member nations to channel their collective economic influence into tangible solutions that sustain global growth and resilience.