A Larger, More Diverse Bloc
The BRICS group, originally Brazil, Russia, India, and China, plus South Africa, has undergone a significant transformation. In 2024, it welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as new members. Indonesia also joined in 2025, bringing
the total number of full members to eleven. This expansion dramatically increases the bloc's demographic and economic footprint, now representing nearly half the world's population and a substantial portion of the global economy. The inclusion of major energy producers like the UAE and Iran alongside populous nations like Ethiopia and Egypt diversifies the group's profile, but also introduces a more complex web of national interests and political systems.
The Agenda in New Delhi
Under its 2026 chairship, India has themed its presidency "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability". The agenda for the New Delhi summit reflects these priorities. Key discussions will centre on deepening economic and financial cooperation, a core pillar of the group since its inception. This includes promoting trade in local currencies to reduce reliance on the US dollar, enhancing supply chain connectivity, and expanding the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in funding sustainable development projects. Additionally, leaders will address political and security issues, including reforms of global governance institutions like the UN Security Council, counter-terrorism efforts, and coordinating positions on international conflicts. Digital cooperation, climate action, and health security are also high on the list of priorities.
India's Strategic Balancing Act
For India, hosting the summit is a high-stakes diplomatic exercise. New Delhi has long viewed BRICS as a platform to amplify the voice of the Global South and advance its vision of a multipolar world order. However, the group's expansion presents both opportunities and challenges. India aims to leverage the larger bloc to create new markets for its goods and lead in areas like digital public infrastructure, where its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a model for cross-border transactions. At the same time, India must carefully navigate its relationships within the group, particularly with China, with whom it shares a tense border and strategic rivalry. Delhi has been cautious about the bloc becoming an overtly anti-Western platform, balancing its BRICS membership with its involvement in other forums like the Quad. India's strategy is to steer the group towards a pragmatic agenda focused on economic development and institutional reform rather than geopolitical confrontation.
The Challenge of Unity
The biggest question looming over the New Delhi meeting is whether a larger BRICS can remain a cohesive force. The diversity of its members, which range from democracies like India and Brazil to authoritarian states like China and Russia, brings with it a wide array of foreign policy goals and allegiances. Reaching consensus, which is the cornerstone of BRICS decision-making, has become increasingly difficult, as evidenced by recent foreign ministers' meetings where disagreements on geopolitical issues were apparent. Skeptics argue that internal rivalries, such as the one between India and China, and differing relationships with the West could lead to fragmentation and hinder the bloc's ability to act decisively on the world stage. The success of the meeting will depend on whether members can find common ground on economic goals while managing their political differences.
