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Representatives from 36 countries gathered in Brazil on Wednesday for the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, focusing on deeper cooperation and a stronger voice for the Global South.

Xinhua President Fu Hua highlighted BRICS’ growing role in uniting developing nations and pushing for fairer global governance. Speakers from China, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, and Central America called for inclusive development, media collaboration, and resistance to external interference.

The forum concluded with a joint report and two new initiatives to boost South-South communication and content sharing, reinforcing BRICS as a platform for global reform, Xinhua reported.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit London on Thursday to sign a “friendship treaty” with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aimed at renewing ties and strengthening defence cooperation post-Brexit.

The treaty will include a mutual defence pledge, emphasising joint action in the face of shared security threats. Though both are NATO members, the agreement signals deeper collaboration, including in weapons development and NATO operations, according to Firstpost.

The leaders will also discuss continued support for Ukraine and announce new defence export deals, including Boxer vehicles and Typhoon jets, alongside plans to deliver a jointly developed long-range missile system within the next decade.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has welcomed a new trade agreement with US President Donald Trump, calling it the beginning of a “new era of mutual benefit.”

The deal, announced after a phone call between the leaders, reduces US tariffs on Indonesian goods from 32 percent to 19 percent. In return, Indonesia will purchase US energy, agricultural products, and Boeing aircraft, Al Jazeera reported.

Trump hailed the agreement as fair and beneficial for both countries, saying US exporters will face no tariffs. Prabowo’s office described the outcome as a major step forward in bilateral relations, with further details expected soon.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the US is making real progress in opening up India’s markets, crediting his tariff policies for breaking long-standing trade barriers.

“We’re going to have access into India,” he said, linking the shift to his tougher trade stance, according to Firstpost.

While no formal deal has been announced, talks are underway in Washington with an Indian delegation led by top negotiator Rajesh Agrawal. Trump said a deal is close, though some issues remain — particularly around India’s agriculture and dairy sectors.

Unlike other major partners, India has not received a formal tariff warning, adding weight to hopes for an agreement soon, Firstpost reported.