<h1>BRICS summit in Brazil focuses on healthcare and climate cooperation amid leadership absences and geopolitical tensions</h1> The BRICS summit opened in Brazil with a cautious agenda overshadowed by trade tensions and Middle East conflicts. The enlarged bloc, which doubled in size last year, faces cohesion challenges that may limit its global influence. Key leaders including the Chinese President and Russian President are absent, with the latter participating via videoconference due to an international arrest warrant. Brazil is pursuing a moderate approach, focusing on technical issues like healthcare cooperation, climate change, and artificial intelligence governance rather than controversial geopolitical topics. The summit aims to avoid drawing attention from the US administration's tariff policies while promoting alternatives to Western-dominated institutions. Three joint statements are expected, likely containing vague language on ongoing conflicts to maintain unity among diverse member nations.