19 | | NOVEMBER 2026Indonesia's Push for Industrial GrowthPrabowo also called for closer cooperation on industrialization and global supply chains. With its large nickel and critical-mineral reserves, renewable-energy potential, forests, and sizable domestic market, Indonesia sees an opportunity to attract capital and technology while creating more value locally.India-UAE Ties Gain Investment MomentumIndia and the UAE explored ways to deepen investment ties, including through L'Imad, the UAE's newest sovereign investment fund, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The leaders discussed cooperation across defence, AI, space, critical minerals, energy, food security, and connectivity.UAE Bets Big on India's Aluminium SectorA key development was the UAE's International Holding Company's proposed $11.5 billion investment in an integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha. The project, described as India's largest integrated aluminium investment, is expected to strengthen Odisha's position as a global aluminium manufacturing hub.The leaders also discussed opportunities in nuclear energy, technology, and innovation, while highlighting L'Imad's potential role in expanding investment between the two countries. India and the UAE further agreed to continue working together through BRICS to advance shared priorities and strengthen cooperation within the grouping.Philippines Brings ASEAN Priorities to BRICSPhilippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. outlined ASEAN's priorities on peace, economic growth, and people empowerment at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. As chair of ASEAN in 2026, Marcos was invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate as an "Outreach Country" in the summit's BRICS Plus discussions.Presenting the Philippines' ASEAN theme, "Navigating Our Future, Together," Marcos highlighted three priorities: Anchors of Peace and Security, Corridors of Prosperity, and Empowering the People. He stressed the importance of ASEAN centrality, dialogue, and a rules-based order, while pointing to greater regional cooperation on maritime issues, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience.On the economic front, Marcos highlighted efforts to strengthen supply chains, energy and food security, and advance ASEAN's Digital Economy Framework Agreement. He also called for responsible AI adoption, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises and women-led businesses.ASEAN is additionally working to expand green investment and develop a regional approach to climate-resilient, food-secure agriculture, with people-centred development remaining central to the region's agenda.China Sets Out Five Priorities for BRICS CooperationPresident Xi Jinping called on Global South nations to strengthen multilateralism, uphold international law, and give developing economies a greater voice in global institutions. He also highlighted stronger cooperation on climate change, security, sustainable development, and AI governance.imgFor BRICS, Xi stressed deeper ties with emerging markets, resilient supply chains, integrated markets, and innovation. He outlined five initiatives:Open-Source AI Cooperation: Create a BRICS AI community to support collaboration on large language models, AI training, and an open AI ecosystem.Trade & Investment Facilitation: Explore a BRICS special economic zone and improve policy coordination to create new opportunities for trade and investment.Digital Industry Cooperation: Develop a shared BRICS digital ecosystem, expand digital-skills training, and encourage technology exchange and industry collaboration.Smart Manufacturing: Support BRICS countries in developing smart factories, establishing common standards, and accelerating manufacturing upgrades.Science & Technology Talent Development: Establish an engineering talent alliance, promote skills recognition, and launch youth exchanges focused on science and technological innovation.Xi positioned these initiatives alongside China's 15th Five-Year Plan, presenting them as avenues for deeper cooperation with the Global South.
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