New Delhi: The 18th BRICS Summit, to be hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, is expected to place renewed emphasis on global peace, economic cooperation, sustainability and the concerns of developing nations amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
India assumed the BRICS chairmanship from Brazil on January 1, 2026, and will host the summit at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lead the Indian delegation at the high-level gathering, which will bring together leaders of BRICS member countries as well as invited partner and outreach nations.
India’s presidency has adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting its stated focus on strengthening cooperation among emerging economies while keeping development and human welfare at the centre of the agenda.
Focus on resilience and global cooperation
The summit comes at a time when countries are dealing with geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions, climate-related risks and economic pressures. BRICS discussions are expected to examine ways of strengthening economic and institutional resilience while promoting greater cooperation among member states and countries of the Global South.
Digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, financial technology, clean energy and sustainable development are among the areas expected to receive attention during India’s year-long chairmanship.
The broader BRICS agenda also includes political and security cooperation, economic and financial coordination and greater people-to-people engagement.
India has planned more than 350 meetings and high-level programmes across over 25 cities during its BRICS presidency. The activities are aimed at expanding cooperation beyond the annual leaders’ summit and creating practical outcomes in areas ranging from trade and technology to culture and sustainable development.
Peace expected to feature prominently
The New Delhi summit is also being viewed against the backdrop of conflicts in West Asia and other parts of the world. The continuing violence in Gaza, instability around strategic waterways and the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on energy markets and global trade have intensified calls for diplomatic engagement.
The BRICS platform could provide an opportunity for member and partner countries to discuss ways of strengthening dialogue and encouraging peaceful resolution of conflicts.
For India, such discussions would fit into its long-standing emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful coexistence. The country’s diplomatic messaging has frequently highlighted the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the idea that the world is one family.
The summit is therefore expected to attract attention not only for its economic agenda but also for its potential role in discussions on global security, international stability and cooperation among developing countries.
Climate action and energy transition
Climate change is another major priority for India’s BRICS presidency. The grouping is expected to focus on climate finance, energy transition, renewable and clean energy and sustainable development.
For developing economies, the challenge lies in balancing economic growth with the need to reduce environmental pressures. BRICS countries account for a substantial share of the world’s population and economy, making cooperation on energy security, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure increasingly important.
India has also sought to use its BRICS presidency to promote technology-driven solutions and innovation that can support inclusive growth.
BRICS expands its global footprint
BRICS has evolved considerably since its formation, with the grouping expanding beyond its original members to include countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia alongside Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa.
The expanded grouping gives BRICS a broader representation across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America and strengthens its position as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies.
India, a founding member of BRICS, has previously held the chairmanship in 2012, 2016 and 2021. The 2026 presidency is particularly significant as the grouping marks two decades since its establishment.
A test for India’s diplomacy
The summit will also be an important test of India’s ability to balance competing interests within an increasingly diverse grouping.
BRICS members have differing political priorities and strategic relationships with major global powers. Reaching common ground on contentious international issues is therefore likely to require sustained diplomatic negotiations.
At the same time, India’s role as host provides an opportunity to push practical cooperation on trade, finance, technology, energy, climate action and development.
With wars, economic uncertainty and climate-related challenges continuing to affect countries across regions, the New Delhi summit is expected to carry significance beyond ceremonial diplomacy.
Whether BRICS can translate its growing membership and political influence into concrete initiatives will be closely watched. For India, the objective will be to ensure that the 18th summit produces meaningful cooperation while reinforcing a message of peace, dialogue, sustainable development and shared prosperity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
