BRICS Summit 2026 Begins
India hosted the 18 th BRICS Summit which commenced on September 12 and 13 2026 in New Delhi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on trade, technology, development and security and global cooperation.
BRICS leaders met to commemorate twenty years of trade and political cooperation of the group of leading nations.
India’s prime minister emphasized resilience, innovation and cooperation and sustainability as the agenda for India’s BRICS chairmanship.
BRICS Now Has Eleven Members Following Latest Expansion
Having expanded its membership the BRICS grouping now has eleven members as several countries have joined the club.
As such the BRICS nations have become geopolitical and economic counterparts to the G7 countries of the developed world.
The BRICS nations are also seeking to increase the voice of developing countries in affairs.
India called for a pluralistic, equitable and representative world political and economic order.
Leaders Adopt New Delhi Declaration
Following two days of deliberations the BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration on cooperation, sustainable development, technology, health, trade and global governance.
In addition the declaration includes statements on enhancing cooperation among emerging market countries and developing countries.
BRICS leaders also resolved to pursue cooperation rather than posturing.
BRICS Nations Aim to Promote Trade in Local Currency
The BRICS nations are also seeking to promote trade and investment in currency to reduce reliance on the US dollar.
In addition the BRICS members have resolved to enhance payment system connectivity and financial market infrastructure.
In this regard the BRICS Payment Task Force is considering options for connecting payment systems.
Moreover India proposes the creation of a BRICS Risk Lab in Gujarat’s GIFT City to serve as a financial cooperation forum for the BRICS nations.
Artificial Intelligence Emerging as a Key Priority for BRICS Nations
Artificial intelligence emerged as another issue as India seeks to promote responsible, safe and affordable AI that could benefit developing countries.
The BRICS nations are also aiming to boost cooperation to promote AI technologies and capabilities and bridge the technology gap.
This agenda will enable the developing world to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
India Leverages the Summit to Promote its Leadership in the Global South
India is using the BRICS platform to position itself as a leader by promoting the interests of the Global South.
As such Prime Minister Modi is calling for representation of Global South countries in international affairs.
In addition India has been promoting cooperation among developing countries on health, agriculture, digital technology and industrialization.
The summit provides a forum for India to engage the Global South emerging market countries on various international issues affecting their economic development.
However There Were Geopolitical Fault Lines
There were also significant geopolitical fault lines as tensions flared between Iran, Israel and the United States.
In addition there were also differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile the war in Ukraine and other regional rivalries also complicated things for the BRICS leaders.
Nevertheless the warring countries all endorsed the declaration on all issues.
China’s President Xi Jinping Arrives in India for the Summit after a Decade-long Hiatus
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in India for the summit, which marks the first visit by him to India in nearly a decade.
As such the meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping provides an opportunity to mend relations and tackle regional issues.
In addition both leaders seem to recognize the importance of their relationship and its implications for stability.
Assessing the Outcome of the BRICS Summit for India’s Foreign Policy
India’s policy and international standing have benefited enormously from the BRICS Summit.
India has enhanced its voice in Global South diplomacy while advancing its trade, technology and financial cooperation agenda.
The summit also enabled India to strengthen its partnership with other emerging market countries.
India will continue to focus on the implementation of commitments made by the BRICS nations to promote trade and other areas of economic cooperation.
The Future of the BRICS Group Following the Summit
The future of the BRICS group is under threat following heightened rivalries among members and the addition of members.
With the addition of members, consensus-building on contentious issues such, as trade is likely to be challenging.
China will host the 2027 BRICS Summit. As the new president, Xi Jinping will play a critical role in the future of the grouping.