A summit of leaders from the BRICS group of major emerging economies kicks off in Brazil Sunday – but without the top leader of its most powerful member.

Xi Jinping skips BRICS Summit for the first time amid speculation of political turbulence in China and divisions between member nations over trade and strategic interests

It has been reported that Erdoğan's insistence on BRICS membership has been blocked by India and China. India vetoed Turkey because of Pakistan, while China objected to membership because it viewed Ankara as a ‘burden.

The White House hosted an “African leaders” summit of sorts this week. But only five countries from the continent of more than 50 nations were welcome to join.

Platforms such as BRICS, which provides a bigger market for ASEAN exporters, are especially important now that the United States is threatening to raise tariffs by as much as 40 percent, he said, adding that economic growth is one of ASEAN's major focuses.

China’s vast clean-energy industry has spearheaded a BRICS solar-power boom, with the bloc accounting for more than half of global generation last year, according to a new report.

A back-to-basics approach might be needed amid mounting concerns about the blocs’ continued relevance in shaping the international order.