<h1>BRICS summit condemns tariff increases and Middle East military actions while avoiding criticism of Russia</h1> The BRICS developing nations bloc held a summit in Rio de Janeiro condemning tariff increases and attacks on a Middle Eastern nation, without naming the US President or Israel. The group's declaration criticized military actions in the Middle East while sparing member Russia from criticism regarding Ukraine. Notable absences included China's leader and Russia's president who participated via video conference due to an international arrest warrant. The host nation's president criticized NATO's military spending increases. The Iranian foreign minister attended representing his country, calling for accountability for rights violations. The summit focused on less controversial issues like trade relations and global health to avoid drawing attention from the new US administration's threatened tariffs against the bloc.