New Delhi: India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit will bring together
leaders of the BRICS countries at a time when the grouping is playing an increasingly important role in global economic and political discussions.
The summit marks India’s fourth BRICS Chairship. India previously chaired the grouping in 2012, 2016 and 2021. he year 2026 is also a milestone for BRICS as the grouping completes 20 years since its establishment.
BRICS 2026: Key Facts
18th BRICS Summit: September 12-13, 2026
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
BRICS Chair: India
India assumed Chairship: January 1, 2026
India’s fourth BRICS Chairship: 2012, 2016, 2021 and 2026
2026 BRICS theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
Current BRICS members: 11
BRICS Partner Countries: 10
BRICS established: 2006
First BRICS Summit: 2009, Yekaterinburg, Russia
The theme of India’s BRICS Chairship?
- India has chosen the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” for its 2026 BRICS Chairship.
- The theme reflects India’s focus on a people-centric and humanity-first approach. It aims to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries while addressing some of the major challenges facing the world.
Key elements of the theme
Resilience: The focus is on helping countries become better prepared to deal with global uncertainties. These include economic disruptions, supply-chain problems, health emergencies and climate-related risks.
Innovation: India is placing strong emphasis on technology and innovation. Areas such as artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech and knowledge sharing are expected to play an important role. The objective is to use technology to improve public services and support future economic growth.
Cooperation: India wants to deepen cooperation among BRICS members through better policy coordination, development finance and easier trade.
The agenda also includes discussions on reforms in global institutions and stronger partnerships that can benefit people.
Sustainability: Climate action and sustainable development are another major focus. BRICS cooperation will cover areas such as green finance, clean energy, energy transition and climate action.
India takes over BRICS Chairship
India formally assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026. During the year, India has organised more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements across more than 25 cities.
These meetings have covered a wide range of subjects, including economic cooperation, technology, climate change, trade, agriculture, health and people-to-people exchanges.
The 18th Summit in New Delhi will be the high point of India’s year-long Chairship.
Putin, Xi among leaders expected at Delhi BRICS Summit
With the 18th BRICS Summit just days away, attention is now focused on the leaders expected to arrive in New Delhi for the September 12-13 meeting. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the key leaders expected to attend. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are also expected in New Delhi. Leaders from several BRICS partner countries are likely to join the summit as well. Brazil, however, is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is not expected to attend because of domestic commitments.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies and developing countries. It provides a platform for members to discuss issues related to the global economy, international politics, development and cooperation.
The current 11 members are
- Brazil
- China
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
Together, BRICS countries account for about 49.5% of the world’s population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade. This gives the grouping considerable economic and political importance.
BRICS partner countries
BRICS has expanded its engagement beyond its full members through the Partner Country system.
In 2025, 10 countries became BRICS Partner Countries:
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Cuba
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Nigeria
- Thailand
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
The expansion has increased BRICS’ geographical reach and created more opportunities for cooperation with developing and emerging economies.
How did BRICS start?
- BRICS was formally established in 2006.
- The first meeting of foreign ministers from Brazil, Russia, India and China was held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- The group was initially known as BRIC, based on the first letters of its four founding members — Brazil, Russia, India and China.
- The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.
- South Africa joined the grouping in 2011, turning BRIC into BRICS.
- The grouping expanded again in 2024, when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates became members. Indonesia joined BRICS in 2025.
What does BRICS focus on?
BRICS initially focused mainly on economic issues. Over the years, however, its agenda has expanded significantly.
- Its cooperation is broadly organised around three major areas:
- Political and security cooperation
- Economic and financial cooperation
- People-to-people exchanges
The grouping now discusses a wide range of global issues, including terrorism, climate change, food security, energy security, trade, agriculture, employment, telecommunications and international financial reforms.
BRICS countries also discuss issues related to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and reforms of the global financial system.
BRICS Summits: From 2009 to 2026
The first BRIC Summit was held in 2009. Since then, the summit has been held annually in different member countries.
- 17th Summit: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — July 6-7, 2025
- 16th Summit: Kazan, Russia — October 22-24, 2024
- 15th Summit: Johannesburg, South Africa — August 22-24, 2023
- 14th Summit: Beijing, China — June 23-24, 2022
- 13th Summit: New Delhi, India — September 9, 2021
- 12th Summit: Moscow, Russia — November 17, 2020
- 11th Summit: Brasília, Brazil — November 13-14, 2019
- 10th Summit: Johannesburg, South Africa — July 25-27, 2018
- 9th Summit: Xiamen, China — September 4-5, 2017
- 8th Summit: Goa, India — October 15-16, 2016
- 7th Summit: Ufa, Russia — July 8-9, 2015
- 6th Summit: Fortaleza, Brazil — July 14-16, 2014
- 5th Summit: Durban, South Africa — March 26-27, 2013
- 4th Summit: New Delhi, India — March 29, 2012
- 3rd Summit: Sanya, China — April 14, 2011
- 2nd Summit: Brasília, Brazil — April 16, 2010
- 1st Summit: Yekaterinburg, Russia — June 16, 2009
Why the 18th BRICS Summit is important
The 18th BRICS Summit is an important event for India and the wider grouping. For India, the summit marks its fourth time as BRICS Chair and comes during the 20th anniversary year of the grouping. India’s theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability reflects its attempt to focus BRICS discussions on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today.
As leaders meet in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, the summit is expected to provide an important platform for discussions on the global economy, trade, technology, climate change, development and international cooperation. With BRICS continuing to expand its membership and partnerships, the New Delhi summit will also be closely watched for the group’s future direction and its growing role in global affairs.
