India Hosts 2026 BRICS Summit as Leaders Focus on Cooperation and Global South Ties

BRICS began in 2006 as a group of major emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, seeking to amplify their collective voice in global affairs. In 2026, India is marking the 20th anniversary of the group by hosting the 18th summit in New Delhi. The focus this year is less on rivalry with the West and more on adapting the bloc to the rapidly changing global environment, including economic and security challenges.

India's presidency comes at a time when BRICS is grappling with internal differences and external pressures. Leaders and experts have highlighted the need for the group to demonstrate its continued relevance and to consider new forms of cooperation, especially with other developing economies.

On September 6, outlets reported India's intention to steer BRICS toward constructive goals, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation and reflecting on the group's two-decade journey. Plans emerged to focus on technology imports and investment flows, particularly in discussions with China, while also addressing the issue of integration among new and existing members.

By September 8, it was confirmed that India would not push for further expansion of the bloc during this summit, instead aiming for better integration and resolving differences over a joint communique. Security preparations ramped up in New Delhi, with thousands of police officers deployed and extensive traffic advisories issued ahead of the summit.

A day before the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss deepening defense ties, including talks on the Su-57 fighter jet and nuclear energy cooperation. The summit agenda also began to take shape, with attention on trade reforms, digital trade, and building stronger links with other regional groups from the Global South.

As the summit approached, reports highlighted the challenges of managing a group with diverse interests, especially as leaders from China and Russia confirmed their attendance for the first time since the previous year. The summit's theme, resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, was set to reflect both ambition and the complexity of BRICS's current position.

The BRICS Summit is underway in New Delhi, with leaders from all member countries gathering at Bharat Mandapam. Security is visibly heightened, and the city faces significant disruptions due to the scale of the event. Discussions are focused on practical cooperation, particularly in defense and trade, while avoiding direct confrontation with Western countries.

India has extended invitations to major regional blocs such as ASEAN, the GCC, and the African Union, signaling a broader effort to position BRICS as a hub for the Global South. While expansion of the bloc is off the table for now, there is a strong emphasis on making BRICS more agile and responsive to global challenges.

Attention now turns to whether BRICS members can agree on a joint communique and concrete steps to deepen economic and technological cooperation. The outcome of bilateral talks between India and Russia, especially on defense deals, will also be closely watched. The summit's success may hinge on India's ability to keep the group focused on shared goals despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.