Sao Paulo, Sept. 9 -- The upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 could emerge as one of the most significant meetings in the grouping's history, even as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will remain in Brazil for his election campaign. Brazil will instead be represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

According to Brasil 247, the summit comes at a crucial stage for BRICS as the grouping moves from rapid expansion towards consolidation. The bloc, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded considerably in recent years, adding countries and strengthening its presence across Asia, Africa, and West Asia.

The expansion has increased BRICS' share of the global population,...