18th BRICS Summit
As BRICS Chair 2026, India will be hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on 12–13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The Summit will bring together leaders of BRICS Member and Partner Countries as well as Outreach Invitees.
2. India’s BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of “Humanity First.” In addition to these areas, the leaders will exchange views on strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation on common priorities and share perspectives on global and regional matters of mutual importance.
3. Under India’s Chairship this year, over 350 meetings and high-level engagements have been held in over 25 cities across India to further strengthen the BRICS strategic partnership across three fundamental pillars: political and security, economic and financial, (Modi ji)and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Through these engagements, and business-to-business and people-to-people initiatives, India’s BRICS Chairship has contributed to advancing BRICS cooperation through practical and development-oriented outcomes.
4. India is a founding member of BRICS, and has previously held its Chairship three times in 2012, 2016 and 2021. India assumed its fourth BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2026. The year 2026 also marks a significant milestone as BRICS completes twenty years since its establishment
What is BRICS?
BRICS is an international grouping that brings together major emerging markets and developing countries. The group focuses on cooperation in areas such as economic development, trade, finance, technology, infrastructure, health and sustainable development.
The current BRICS grouping includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with South Africa also being a founding/current member of the expanded grouping. The official BRICS India 2026 website describes BRICS as bringing together eleven major emerging markets and developing countries.
BRICS Summit 2026: India as Chair
India has assumed the BRICS Chairship for 2026. This gives India an important opportunity to shape discussions within the grouping and highlight priorities that are relevant to developing countries.
India’s BRICS 2026 agenda focuses on strengthening cooperation while addressing challenges related to economic growth, sustainability, innovation and global resilience.
BRICS Summit 2026 Theme
The official theme of India’s BRICS Chairship is:
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The theme highlights five important areas:
1. Resilience
BRICS countries aim to strengthen their ability to respond to economic, environmental and geopolitical challenges.
2. Innovation
Technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and innovation are becoming increasingly important for economic growth. Cooperation in these areas can help BRICS countries develop new opportunities.
3. Cooperation
Strengthening cooperation between member countries is one of the major objectives of BRICS. This includes cooperation in trade, investment, education, health, technology and other sectors.
4. Sustainability
Sustainable development and environmental protection are major global priorities. BRICS countries can work together on clean energy, climate-related challenges and sustainable economic development.
Major Areas Expected to Be Discussed
The BRICS Summit 2026 is expected to focus on several important areas.
Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation remains at the heart of BRICS. Member countries can explore ways to increase trade, investment and financial cooperation.
Trade and Investment
BRICS countries represent a significant share of the world’s emerging economies. Improving trade relationships and creating new investment opportunities can strengthen economic ties among members.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Technology is rapidly changing the global economy. Discussions around digital technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and digital infrastructure are expected to be increasingly important.
Sustainable Development
Climate change, renewable energy and sustainable development are major challenges for developing economies. BRICS cooperation can help countries exchange technology, knowledge and best practices.
Global South Cooperation
India has consistently highlighted the importance of giving greater representation to developing countries in global institutions. BRICS provides an important platform for cooperation among countries of the Global South.
Why Is BRICS Summit 2026 Important for India?
Hosting the BRICS Chairship gives India an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic and economic relationships with other major emerging economies.
It can also help India promote cooperation in areas such as technology, infrastructure, trade, renewable energy, education and innovation.
The summit provides India with a platform to present its priorities and contribute to discussions on major international issues.
Importance of BRICS for the Global Economy
BRICS has become an increasingly important platform for emerging and developing economies.
The expanded grouping represents a diverse collection of countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. Its members have significant populations, natural resources, economic potential and growing markets.
Greater cooperation among these countries could influence international trade, investment, finance, technology and development.
What Can We Expect From BRICS Summit 2026?
The summit is expected to generate discussions and possible agreements related to:
- Economic and financial cooperation
- International trade and investment
- Technology and innovation
- Artificial intelligence
- Sustainable development
- Renewable energy
- Global health
- Infrastructure development
- Cooperation among developing countries
- Strengthening the voice of the Global South
The exact outcomes will depend on discussions among member countries during the summit.
Conclusion
The BRICS Summit 2026 will be an important international event under India’s Chairship. With its focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, India aims to encourage stronger partnerships among BRICS members.
For India, the 2026 BRICS Chairship is an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and highlight the priorities of developing and emerging economies.
As BRICS continues to expand its role in global affairs, the BRICS Summit 2026 could become an important milestone for economic cooperation, technological development and sustainable growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the BRICS Summit 2026?
India is hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit as part of its BRICS Chairship.
Which country is hosting BRICS in 2026?
India is the BRICS Chair for 2026.
What is the theme of BRICS 2026?
The official theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Why is BRICS important?
BRICS provides a platform for major emerging and developing economies to cooperate on economic, financial, technological and development-related issues.
What are the main topics of BRICS 2026?
Key areas include economic cooperation, trade, investment, innovation, technology, sustainability and cooperation among developing countries.