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What is the story about?
Deep Pal, Director, Geopolitics and Policy, Koan Advisory Group. believes the BRICS Summit 2026 may not deliver any major announcements. The diverse political and economic interests of BRICS members could make countries reluctant to take positions that might affect their relationships with other partners.
However, the absence of big announcements should not be mistaken for a lack of progress, he said. Discussions on local-currency trade, supply chains, AI, ICT, financial crime, the New Development Bank and development financing could lead to further collaboration among member countries.
For India, these discussions could provide opportunities to expand economic engagement with other developing economies and strengthen cooperation in areas such as digital infrastructure and trade.
Pal also noted that it should not be viewed simply as a challenge to the United States, but Washington should pay attention to the growing economic cooperation among member countries.
“What they should be taking note of is the fact that there are these large number of countries, some of the world's largest economies, G20 members as well, who are coming together and figuring out ways in which they can cooperate.” Pal said.
He said the growing focus on alternative institutions and cooperation frameworks is something Washington should watch closely.
Former Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, meanwhile, said the grouping must focus on areas of common interest rather than allow political differences to dominate the summit.
Puri said the central objective of the summit should be to bring together the largest developing economies and identify areas where they can work towards mutual economic growth. He argued that BRICS need not become an anti-Western bloc to make itself more relevant.
According to Puri, member countries should set aside their differences where possible and focus on issues that can bring them together. Cooperation among India, China, Russia, Brazil and other members could help advance the interests of the wider Global South.
He said BRICS should work towards building a better world while prioritising economic development and practical areas of cooperation.
For full interview, watch accompanying video
Catch all the live updates from the BRICS Summit 2026
However, the absence of big announcements should not be mistaken for a lack of progress, he said. Discussions on local-currency trade, supply chains, AI, ICT, financial crime, the New Development Bank and development financing could lead to further collaboration among member countries.
For India, these discussions could provide opportunities to expand economic engagement with other developing economies and strengthen cooperation in areas such as digital infrastructure and trade.
Pal also noted that it should not be viewed simply as a challenge to the United States, but Washington should pay attention to the growing economic cooperation among member countries.
“What they should be taking note of is the fact that there are these large number of countries, some of the world's largest economies, G20 members as well, who are coming together and figuring out ways in which they can cooperate.” Pal said.
He said the growing focus on alternative institutions and cooperation frameworks is something Washington should watch closely.
Former Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, meanwhile, said the grouping must focus on areas of common interest rather than allow political differences to dominate the summit.
Puri said the central objective of the summit should be to bring together the largest developing economies and identify areas where they can work towards mutual economic growth. He argued that BRICS need not become an anti-Western bloc to make itself more relevant.
According to Puri, member countries should set aside their differences where possible and focus on issues that can bring them together. Cooperation among India, China, Russia, Brazil and other members could help advance the interests of the wider Global South.
He said BRICS should work towards building a better world while prioritising economic development and practical areas of cooperation.
For full interview, watch accompanying video
Catch all the live updates from the BRICS Summit 2026
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