RIO DE JANEIRO – As the 2025 BRICS summit concluded its proceedings in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro on July 6th, a notable declaration emerged from the group of major emerging economies. Among the various geopolitical and economic topics discussed, the leaders turned their attention upwards, specifically to the rapidly evolving domain of outer space.
The core message from the summit`s final declaration is clear and direct: the BRICS nations stand united against the prospect of an arms race in outer space. This isn`t merely a passive statement of disapproval; the group is actively proposing concrete action to prevent the weaponization of the cosmos.
According to the declaration, the BRICS leaders “reaffirm support for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities and preventing an arms race in outer space (PAROS) and the placement of weapons in space.” This technical phrasing underscores a foundational principle: space should remain a realm for peaceful exploration and scientific advancement, rather than becoming another contested theatre mirroring terrestrial conflicts. The document further emphasizes support for “preventing the use of force or threat of force against space objects.”
Perhaps most significantly, the BRICS nations are calling for tangible steps towards this goal. The declaration explicitly supports the “negotiations on the adoption of a relevant multilateral legal instrument.” In less diplomatic terms, they are advocating for a new international treaty, a legally binding document aimed at governing behavior and preventing the militarization of space. The ultimate objective cited is the “ensuring global security.”
While some might raise an eyebrow, wondering if humanity can successfully regulate activity even on its home planet, extending such efforts into the seemingly boundless vacuum of space is becoming increasingly critical. With the proliferation of satellites for everything from communication and navigation to Earth observation and scientific research, our reliance on space-based assets is growing exponentially. Consequently, the potential for these assets to become targets, or for space itself to become an arena for conflict, is a concern that transcends national borders.
The unified stance from the BRICS bloc – a group encompassing significant global populations and growing economic and technological influence – adds considerable weight to the international discussion surrounding space security. While the path from a summit declaration to a widely accepted and effective international treaty is often long and fraught with complex negotiations, this statement signals a collective desire from a major segment of the world for de-escalation and responsible behavior beyond Earth`s atmosphere.
It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to this call for a new legal framework for space. However, the message from Rio is unequivocal: preventing an arms race in outer space is a priority for BRICS nations, who believe a new treaty is necessary to safeguard the peaceful use of the final frontier for the benefit of all.
