The recent BRICS summit illustrated that the bloc will likely remain more effective at articulating broad positions on shared economic interests than translating them into concrete, bloc-wide action, while divergent strategic priorities will continue to constrain cooperation on contentious geopolitical issues. On Sept. 12-13, India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from the bloc's 11 member states and representatives from partner countries. Key discussions included the Middle East conflict, global trade, economic cooperation and financial connectivity. Attendees adopted a joint statement that advocated for restraint and diplomatic efforts to address the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, criticized the use of unilateral tariffs and other trade barriers, and called for greater cooperation on cross-border payments, technology, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.