Brazil plays host to a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies Sunday and Monday during which pressing topics like Israel’s attack on Iran, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and trade tariffs imposed by U.

With forums such as the G7 and G20 groups of major economies hamstrung by divisions and the disruptive "America First" approach of the US president, BRICS is presenting itself as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars.

The Brics Summit has entered its second day in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the event and will also hold meetings with other world leaders on the sidelines. Meanwhile,