New Delhi: In a significant development for global geopolitics, India has officially taken over the rotating presidency of BRICS from Brazil, marking the beginning of a pivotal year for the influential grouping of emerging economies. As the host of the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit later in 2026, India is poised to shape the agenda of this expanded alliance, emphasizing themes of inclusive growth, technological advancement, and sustainable progress amid rising international challenges.
The transition highlights India’s growing stature on the world stage, positioning the nation as a key voice for developing countries while navigating complex dynamics in a multipolar world. With BRICS now representing a substantial portion of the global economy and population, India’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture, focusing on practical cooperation rather than confrontation.
Historical Evolution of the BRICS Alliance
The story of BRICS traces back to the early 2000s when British economist Jim O’Neill coined the term “BRIC” in 2001 to highlight the potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China as leading emerging markets. These nations began informal discussions, with political dialogue formally kicking off at a BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in 2006.
The grouping gained momentum as a platform for coordination among major developing economies. The first full leaders’ summit occurred in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009, laying the foundation for annual high-level engagements. In 2010, South Africa was invited to join, transforming BRIC into BRICS and broadening its representation across continents.
Over the years, BRICS has evolved into a forum dedicated to challenging imbalances in global governance. Its core objective remains advocating for changes in institutions like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and United Nations Security Council, which many view as outdated and overly influenced by established powers. Rather than seeking to dismantle these structures, BRICS pushes for their modernization to better reflect contemporary realities.
The alliance operates without a permanent headquarters, functioning as a flexible coordination mechanism with annual rotating leadership. This structure allows each member to imprint its priorities on the year’s activities. Key associated institutions include the New Development Bank, based in Shanghai, which finances infrastructure and sustainable projects in emerging markets and developing countries.
Cooperation within BRICS spans three main areas: political and security matters, economic and financial collaboration, and cultural along with people-to-people exchanges. These pillars enable members to align on critical issues, from trade policies to cultural initiatives, fostering deeper ties.
Today, the expanded BRICS—often referred to as BRICS+—includes original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside newer additions: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. This growth has bolstered the group’s influence, collectively accounting for nearly half the world’s population, a significant share of global GDP, and a quarter of international trade.
The Presidency Rotation and India’s Role in 2026
BRICS leadership follows a straightforward rotational system, moving annually among members in approximate alphabetical order based on the acronym. No elections or voting are involved; the process ensures equitable participation, with each chair holding office from January 1 to December 31.
The presiding nation plays a central role: defining the yearly agenda, organizing ministerial and expert-level gatherings, and culminating the term by hosting the leaders’ summit. This responsibility allows the chair to spotlight national strengths while advancing shared goals.
For 2026, India steps into this position following Brazil’s tenure, which concluded at the end of 2025. The formal transition occurred amid ongoing global economic strains and shifting alliances, underscoring the timeliness of India’s stewardship.
As pro tempore chair, India will prioritize continuity from previous years while introducing fresh initiatives. The nation plans to convene various forums throughout the year, building toward the 18th BRICS Summit on Indian soil—a landmark event expected to draw heads of state from all members.
Key Priorities Under India’s Leadership
India has outlined a clear framework for its presidency, centering on four interconnected pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Environmental Stability/Sustainability. These themes reflect a forward-looking approach aimed at addressing pressing challenges faced by developing nations.
Resilience focuses on building economic and societal buffers against shocks, such as pandemics or financial volatility. Innovation emphasizes leveraging technology for growth, including advancements in digital tools and knowledge sharing. Cooperation strengthens ties across political, economic, and cultural domains, while Environmental Stability/Sustainability prioritizes climate action and green development.
This structure aligns with broader goals of promoting equitable progress. India intends to advance discussions on development financing, health equity, and access to technology, using platforms like the New Development Bank to support projects in emerging markets.
A notable aspect is the push for digital public infrastructure as a replicable framework for the Global South, drawing from India’s successful models that have transformed governance and service delivery.
Strategic Importance for India and the World
India’s 2026 presidency carries profound implications. It reinforces the country’s commitment to reforming global institutions—not replacing them, but updating to reduce disparities and enhance representation for developing nations.
As a natural connector between the Global South and other powers, India aims to articulate shared concerns of emerging economies, advocating for a balanced multipolar order. This includes maintaining strategic autonomy, engaging constructively with diverse partners, including Western alliances and neighbors like China.
The expanded BRICS provides a vital stage for amplifying voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By hosting the summit, India can drive conversations on trade facilitation, investment flows, and alternatives in financial systems, all while fostering cultural and educational links.
In an era of geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions, India’s chairmanship offers opportunities to promote dialogue and practical solutions. It builds on past successes, such as inclusive agendas during previous international roles, to ensure BRICS remains a constructive force.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did India officially assume the BRICS chairmanship for 2026, and who handed it over?
India officially assumed the rotating presidency of BRICS on 1 January 2026. Brazil formally handed over the chairmanship after completing its term in 2025. This transition took place amid ongoing global trade frictions and geopolitical tensions, setting the stage for India to host the 18th BRICS Summit later in 2026.
2. What are the four pillars guiding India’s BRICS presidency in 2026?
India has structured its 2026 chairmanship around four key pillars:
- Resilience – Building economic and societal strength against global shocks.
- Innovation – Promoting technological advancement and knowledge sharing.
- Cooperation – Deepening political, economic, financial, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
- Environmental Stability/Sustainability – Prioritizing climate action and green development.
These pillars aim to address shared challenges faced by emerging economies and the Global South.
3. How many members does BRICS currently have, and who are they?
As of 2026, the expanded BRICS (often called BRICS+) has 11 member countries:
- Original members (since 2010/2011): Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- New members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Collectively, BRICS represents approximately 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of global GDP, and about 26% of world trade.
4. What is the history and purpose of the BRICS grouping?
The term “BRIC” was coined by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to highlight the rising economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Political dialogue began in 2006 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, and the first BRIC leaders’ summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. South Africa joined in 2010–11, forming BRICS.
The core aim is to reform global governance institutions (such as the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO) to make them more representative, rather than replacing them. BRICS also provides an alternative platform for political coordination, economic and financial cooperation, development financing through the New Development Bank (headquartered in Shanghai), and cultural/people-to-people exchanges.
5. What will be India’s key focus areas and significance during its 2026 BRICS presidency?
India plans to:
- Push for reform of global institutions to reduce Western dominance while preserving their relevance.
- Position itself as a bridge between the Global South and the West, amplifying developing countries’ concerns in a multipolar world.
- Promote India’s digital public infrastructure as a scalable model for other emerging economies.
- Maintain strategic autonomy and multi-alignment while engaging with both Western-led groupings and partners like China.
- Strengthen calls for equitable development finance, health cooperation, technology access, and sustainable growth.
Hosting the 18th BRICS Summit will allow India to set the annual agenda, chair all meetings, and steer discussions toward inclusive, human-centred progress for the Global South.
