The 2026 BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi from Saturday to Sunday, underscored the growing influence of China's development philosophy across the Global South. Leaders of major emerging economies gathered to promote inclusive global governance, strengthen multilateralism, and foster sustainable economic growth. The event highlighted how China's approach—emphasizing self-reliance, unity, and people-centered policies—resonates with nations facing similar developmental challenges.
During the summit's Session I, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. He described it as "20 years of self-reliance and self-strengthening," during which BRICS countries actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of unity among emerging markets and developing countries. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to not leaving anyone behind, a principle that has become a cornerstone of BRICS collaboration.
On the sidelines of the summit, the People's Daily released a video titled "Through Xi's Eyes: Finding the answer to the 'warmth of BRICS,'" which illustrates how China's development philosophy is being embraced across the Global South. The video features voices from key figures who emphasize the practical benefits of multilateral cooperation. Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, stressed that emerging nations share a common bond: "Because most of the Global South countries are recently emerging from developing nation status, they understand the importance of not leaving anybody behind." She added that BRICS "has opened up relationships in markets that are not just large, but that believe in multilateralism, that believe in supporting BRICS partners through sharing of technology, through sharing of skills."
The resonance of China's approach is further exemplified by R. Deepak, professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who brought stacks of President Xi's works back from China. Deepak observed that Xi's early years laid the foundation for his people-centered approach and poverty alleviation strategies. Such grassroots governance, Deepak noted, deeply resonates with nations of the Global South that share similar developmental journeys and strive to build a better life for their people.
As the video reflects, for people across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, development is not an abstract concept but concrete improvements—from a paved road to a new job. As nations come together for this common goal, the paths to development and modernization open up to more possibilities. The 2026 BRICS Summit thus serves as a pivotal moment, reinforcing that China's development philosophy is not only a domestic strategy but a source of inspiration for the Global South. By prioritizing inclusivity, technological sharing, and self-reliance, this approach offers a viable alternative to traditional development models, potentially reshaping global economic governance and fostering a more equitable world order.
