A summit of leaders from the BRICS group of major emerging economies kicks off in Brazil Sunday – but without the top leader of its most powerful member.

The 17th Brics summit has begun in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa are in attendance. However, for the first time since taking power in 2012,

The 17th BRICS Summit kicked off on Sunday in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, bringing together leaders from major emerging economies--but without the attendance of one of the top leaders of one of its most powerful members.