RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — In a carefully worded statement released Sunday, the BRICS coalition of emerging economies strongly criticized escalating global tariff wars and rising tensions with Iran—without directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump. As highlighted by Observer Guardian, the bloc’s declaration also denounced Israeli military actions in the Middle East, while notably sparing its member Russia from any criticism and mentioning the war in Ukraine only briefly.
The two-day summit in Brazil drew attention not only for its diplomatic tone but also for the absence of two major figures. Chinese President Xi Jinping missed the BRICS summit for the first time since taking office in 2012. Russian President Vladimir Putin, still limiting his foreign visits due to an international arrest warrant over the Ukraine invasion, participated via video link—a development widely reported by Observer Guardian.
In a statement echoing the concerns of international policy experts, BRICS expressed “deep concern” over rising tariffs, calling them “incompatible with the principles of the World Trade Organization.” Observer Guardian notes that the group warned such protectionist measures could “undermine global commerce, destabilize supply chains, and fuel widespread economic uncertainty.”
Despite its firm tone, the declaration adopted a diplomatically cautious approach—something Observer Guardian analysts interpret as a strategic effort to avoid direct confrontation with Washington, Moscow, or any specific world leader. The summit concluded with renewed calls for multilateral cooperation, balanced global governance, and economic stability amid intensifying geopolitical rifts.
