The leaders of the BRICS group of nations are meeting this year amid major shifts in the geopolitical order.

The group, which owes its name to the initials of its five member states, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa is holding its annual summit on Thursday, but without much fanfare or huge expectations.

Talks will also be held in a virtual format, for the third consecutive year. The Summit will be chaired by President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, as Chair of BRICS for 2022, under the theme "Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership; Usher in a New Era for Global Development”.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa  delivered a pre-recorded message at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum.