Is Everything Okay in BRICS? Indian Geopolitical Expert Raises Questions over Brazil’s President’s Absence and Saudi Arabia’s Stance

Source: नवभारत टाइम्स | Original Published At: 2026-09-13 10:49:58 UTC

Key Points

• Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva did not attend the BRICS summit; Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira represented Brazil.
• Dr. Brahma Chellaney said Lula's absence was noteworthy because he is the only remaining incumbent leader among the four original BRIC countries formed in 2009.
• Several BRICS members sent senior representatives rather than heads of state, including Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
• The UAE and Saudi Arabia were represented by foreign ministers, suggesting differing levels of engagement among newer members after BRICS expansion.
• Chellaney described Saudi Arabia's position as deliberately maintained ambiguity, noting that it has not completed formal membership or clearly declared itself a full member.
• Saudi Arabia has presented its participation as an invited guest, raising questions about its status at the summit in New Delhi.