An Expanded Bloc with a Bigger Voice
Originally a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the bloc became BRICS with the addition of South Africa in 2010. The most significant recent development has been its major expansion. In January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab
Emirates officially joined. Indonesia became the eleventh member in 2025, with Saudi Arabia's membership still under consideration. This expansion has transformed BRICS into a multi-continent coalition that now represents nearly half the world's population and around 40% of global GDP. This increased scale gives the bloc a more formidable platform to advocate for the interests of the Global South and challenge a world order long dominated by Western institutions.
The Leaders at the Table
The summit in New Delhi, taking place on September 12-13, brings together a diverse set of leaders. Hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, key attendees include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose first visit to India in seven years signals a potential thaw in bilateral relations. Leaders from the new member states, such as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, are also present. However, not all heads of state are attending; Brazil, for instance, is represented by its Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira. This gathering of leaders from democracies, autocracies, and regional rivals underscores the bloc's complex internal dynamics.
India's 2026 Agenda: Resilience and Cooperation
As the 2026 chair, India has set the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. New Delhi's agenda aims to shift the focus from broad political statements to practical cooperation. Key priorities include strengthening food and energy security, building resilient supply chains, and enhancing collaboration in technology, trade, and digital payments. India is also championing initiatives for MSMEs, digital public infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The summit is expected to conclude with the New Delhi Declaration, which will outline the areas of consensus and a shared path forward.
The De-Dollarisation Debate
A recurring theme in BRICS discussions is de-dollarisation—reducing dependence on the US dollar for global trade and finance. This push has gained momentum, particularly from Russia, following Western sanctions. However, the approach is more nuanced than a full-frontal assault on the dollar. Indian officials have clarified the goal is not to create a common BRICS currency but to promote the use of national currencies in bilateral trade and develop alternative payment systems to reduce transaction costs. While the dollar's share of global reserves has seen a gradual decline over two decades, it still dominates international trade settlements, and progress on a unified BRICS payment system remains in early stages.
India's Strategic Balancing Act
For India, hosting the summit is a delicate diplomatic exercise. New Delhi must navigate its role within a bloc that includes its primary strategic rival, China, and a heavily sanctioned Russia, while simultaneously nurturing its deep partnerships with the United States and other Western powers. This position makes India a crucial, if sometimes tested, facilitator for dialogue. The summit provides an opportunity for India to engage directly with China and manage their complex relationship, but it also highlights the internal strains within BRICS, as members hold diverging views on global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
