>>331613
In politics its often important for world leaders to meet and just drink together. Thats what G7 is for, they meet in one place and socialize, discuss sanctions or trade.
You think other than BRICS meeting, there are many reasons for leaders of South Africa and India to meet in one place with the leader of Brazil and Russia? They all would NATURALLY just end up in one room by coincedence and it happens regulary? No. They don't ever meet without the reason and BRICS gives them that reason.
BRICS is kinda the same as G7, all leaders of BRICS go and meet in one place, verify their positions. Maybe behind the scenes they also meet and make backroom deals.
Often in politics it is important to feel the shoulder of the other big country, especially when you are defending your sovereignity against US and EU demands and threats. If you have Xi Jinping by your side in a meeting, you can discuss with him things like "Dude, USA through proxies is threatening me to block new transh of money from IMF! My economy is cooked without it!" and then you can ask for a loan from China. Or you can offer your territory for a transit of goods for other country, and this deal can be made during BRICS meeting. It is often about that - just people meeting face to face, chemistry, feel that you are not alone, knowing there is someone else alternative to USA-EU.