Bloc takes firm positions at summit on key global conflicts while avoiding criticism of Russia for the Ukraine war.

By Lisandra Paraguassu and Manuela Andreoni RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) -Leaders of the BRICS group of developing nations on Sunday condemned attacks on Gaza and Iran, called for reforms of global institutions and presented the bloc as a haven for multilateral diplomacy amid violent conflicts and trade wars.

BRICS nations now represent more than half the world's population and 40% of its economic output, Lula noted in remarks on Saturday to business leaders warning of rising protectio

BRICS leaders are meeting in Brazil for a two-day summit. But China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin are skipping the gathering.

At the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa adopted a significant declaration focused on peace, security, and reforming global governance.