BRICS 2026: India at the Centre of a Changing Global Order

India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together leaders and representatives from member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees. The summit assumes special significance as BRICS completes 20 years and India holds the chairship for the fourth time.

BRICS has evolved from a grouping of major emerging economies into a broader international platform spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. India has invited all 11 member countries, 10 partner nations and selected outreach participants, including Bangladesh, reflecting the grouping’s expanding global footprint.

India’s 2026 chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,”supported by a people-centric “Humanity First” approach. More than 350 meetings and engagements across over 25 Indian cities have sought to strengthen cooperation in political and security affairs, economic and financial development, and people-to-people relations.

At the summit, leaders are expected to discuss trade, investment, development financing, technology cooperation and reform of global institutions. Greater representation for emerging and developing economies in the international financial and governance architecture is likely to remain an important priority.

However, geopolitics could test BRICS unity. Conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, sanctions, energy security and differences among members may complicate efforts to reach consensus. With BRICS operating largely through consensus, the wording of the final declaration could become particularly significant.

The expected participation of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin will also put New Delhi in the global diplomatic spotlight. Xi’s presence would attract attention amid improving India-China engagement, while Putin’s participation would underline India's continuing strategic relationship with Russia.

For India, BRICS 2026 is therefore more than a diplomatic gathering. It represents an opportunity to reinforce its position as a leading voice of the Global South and a bridge between competing geopolitical blocs. The bigger challenge will be transforming BRICS’ growing size and influence into consensus, economic opportunity and tangible global impact.