The BRICS coalition — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and several newly admitted members — has reiterated its commitment to advancing artificial intelligence research and deployment across the Global South, even as critics argue the grouping has done little to tackle the looming threat of mass job losses from automation.
In a joint communique released following the summit, BRICS nations called for greater collaboration on AI innovation, data infrastructure, and responsible technology transfer between member countries. The statement emphasised the importance of ensuring that developing economies are not left behind in the global AI race and pledged to build shared technological capacity.
However, the declaration contained only a passing reference to the impact of AI on employment, offering no concrete policies, frameworks, or safeguards for workers whose jobs may be automated. Labour economists and policy analysts have pointed out that the omission is significant given the scale of potential disruption across sectors such as manufacturing, call centres, agriculture, and white-collar services in BRICS nations.
India, one of the bloc's largest economies, faces particular exposure. The country employs millions of workers in IT-enabled services, business process outsourcing, and clerical roles — all areas where AI tools are rapidly being deployed by global and domestic companies. Several Indian tech firms have already integrated generative AI into their operations, raising internal and external concerns about workforce restructuring.
China, the world's most populous nation and a leading investor in AI, has also been aggressive in automating factory and logistics work. While Beijing has introduced some reskilling programmes, labour rights groups say they remain inadequate for the pace of change.
South Africa, which joined BRICS in 2023, has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world and has warned that AI-driven automation could worsen already precarious employment conditions, particularly in mining and agricultural sectors.
Analysts note that unlike previous summits where climate finance and debt relief received specific commitments, the current AI statement lacks measurable targets or funding mechanisms for worker transition. A working group on AI ethics was proposed, but details on its mandate — particularly whether it will address labour impacts — remain unclear.
Trade unions across member states have called for BRICS to establish a dedicated task force on AI and employment, arguing that without intervention, the technology could deepen inequality within and between nations.
