- The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India, on 12–13 September 2026, under India’s chairship.
- India’s theme for the year was: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
- The theme reflects India’s focus on development, sustainability, innovation and the interests of the Global South.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that cooperate on issues such as:
- Economy and trade
- Finance
- Energy
- Food security
- Climate change
- Technology
- Health
- Global governance
The original grouping was BRIC — Brazil, Russia, India and China.
South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.
The grouping has now expanded significantly.
BRICS Members in 2026
There are 11 full members:
| Country | Country |
|---|---|
| Brazil | Russia |
| India | China |
| South Africa | Egypt |
| Ethiopia | Iran |
| United Arab Emirates | Indonesia |
| Saudi Arabia |
According to the Government of India, these 11 countries together account for about 49.5% of the world’s population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.
2026 BRICS Summit — Key Highlights
- New Delhi Declaration: Focused on political-security, economic-financial, and cultural cooperation and a fairer global order.
- Global Governance Reform: BRICS called for greater representation of emerging economies in the UN, IMF and World Bank.
- Local Currencies & Payments: Members discussed easier cross-border payments, greater use of local currencies and CBDC cooperation.
- Artificial Intelligence: China proposed a BRICS AI Open Source Zone to promote AI cooperation.
- Food & Energy Security: Cooperation discussed on food, energy, critical minerals, supply chains and climate change.
- Health: India announced an early warning system for infectious diseases.
- Global Conflicts: BRICS discussed West Asia, Iran, Ukraine and Sudan, stressing dialogue and diplomacy.
Why is BRICS Important for India?
- Global South Cooperation: Helps India work with developing and emerging economies on common issues.
- UN Reforms: Supports India’s demand for a more representative global governance system.
- Payment Diversification: Encourages local currencies and alternative payment systems, reducing dependence on a single system.
- Economic Cooperation: Promotes trade, investment, infrastructure and technology.
- Diplomatic Influence: Gives India a platform to engage with major countries such as China, Russia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.
India as BRICS Chair in 2026
- Fourth BRICS Chairship for India.
- Previous chairships: 2012, 2016 and 2021.
- 2026 marks 20 years of BRICS since its establishment.
